Mum’s torment as she saw house crumble

JAMIE Heaton’s mum has revealed how her son was called a “little genius” just minutes before the explosion.

Michelle Heaton spoke about the frantic and dramatic moments when her home crumbled and took the life of the two-year-old.

The mother-of-three (32) had stayed off work with her youngest child on Buckley Street on that tragic day as Jamie was poorly.

She described her “excitement” as Jamie said “yum” for the first time.

She said: “He could only say about five words, he held some toast up to me and said it. I phoned my mum, who said he was going to be a little genius.

A happy Michelle settled Jamie while she prepared to hang out washing. The explosion followed.

“I crouched down, as I thought something was falling, the loud sound just echoed all around.

“With the loud bang, I knew Jamie would be frightened, but I couldn’t get back in the back door.

“I ran through a neighbour’s house to get to the front of the house.

“We tried to get in but we couldn’t shift it.”

Michelle (32) added: “I did initially feel guilt but not any more, it happened that quickly and the house disappearing next door — I wouldn’t have been able to do anything anyway.

“I wish I had taken him outside with me.”