The four family members who died following a house fire in Brent have been named as their relatives are supported during this ‘deeply upsetting time’. Met Police officers were called to assist the London Fire Brigade at the fire in Tillett Close, Stonebridge at 1:22am on Saturday, May 24.
A mum and three of her children – a daughter and two younger sons – died at the scene. Detectives have this evening (Sunday, May 25) named them as Nusrat Usman, 43, Maryam Mikaiel, 15, Musa Usman, 8, and Raees Usman, 4. A row of floral tributes and a blue teddy bear have been lined up against a wall near the scene of the horror fatal fire in memory of the victims.
A woman in her 70s was taken to hospital but has since been released. A 13-year-old girl remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in North West London, said: “Our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened. Specialist officers are continuing to support the wider family who have asked for privacy at this deeply upsetting time.
“Local officers are working closely with officers from the Specialist Crime Command on what continues to be a very complex investigation. I’d like to thank the members of public, our first responding officers and colleagues from other emergency services for their efforts during this highly pressurised and distressing incident.
“Equally, we appreciate this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive. You will see extra officers in the area during the coming days and some of the cordons will remain in place.”
Neighbours said the family are of Pakistani origin and had lived on the street, in the Br ent area, for a long time. Firefighters said the mother and one of her children were rescued from the second floor but declared dead by air ambulance crews. The other two children who were declared dead were found inside the property as crews tackled the blaze, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.
On Sunday morning, the road outside the terraced houses remained cordoned off, with two fire engines still at the scene. Crews wearing helmets and respiratory equipment were seen building scaffolding against the burnt out buildings.
Neighbour Cecilia Marquis, 60, said she was “stunned by the devastation” of the blaze. Ms Marquis, who is a caterer at Brentford FC and witnessed the fire in her street, said: “This will leave a devastating impact.”
In a statement on Saturday, Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Metropolitan Police ’s local policing team in North West London, said detectives are leading the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire. He said: “Despite the efforts of the emergency services, I can confirm a woman and three of her children died at the scene.
“A further two members of the same family were taken to hospital and continue to receive treatment. The wider family have been informed, and officers will continue to support them at this incredibly difficult time.
He added: “I recognise the significant impact this incident has had on the community.”
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. He has since been bailed and was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.
Anyone with information that could assist the Met Police investigation is asked to call 101 giving the reference 509/24MAY. Information can also be shared anonymously, with the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.
If you would like to pay tribute to the family members who died you can do so by emailing [email protected]
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