Police have confirmed that four people who died after a fire in a house in Brent are a mum and three of her children, with a man arrested on suspicion of murder and two other people – a woman in her 70s and a teenage girl – taken to hospital. Met Police officers were called to assist the London Fire Brigade (LFB) at the scene of the blaze at the home in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, at 1.22am on Saturday (May 24).
A 43-year-old woman, a girl aged 15, and two boys aged eight and four died at the scene, the Metropolitan Police said. The force had initially incorrectly reported that the children were all boys. Firefighters said the woman and one of the children were rescued from the second floor of the house but were declared dead by air ambulance crews.
The other two children were found inside the property as crews continued to tackle the blaze, LFB said, and were also declared dead at the scene. Their next-of-kin have been informed.
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Police have cordoned the street off and much of the house has been gutted by the fire.
Mohamed Labidi, a 38-year-old teacher, who lives on Tillett Close, said he “can’t even look at the house”. He told the PA news agency knew the woman, adding the four victims of the fire were “really good people”.
“We used to socialise together,” he said. “I can’t even look at the house at the house right now.”
Cecilia Marquis, 60, a caterer at Brentford FC said she was “stunned by the devastation” of the blaze. Ms Marquis, who witnessed the fire in her street, said: “This will leave a devastating impact.” “I just feel numb,” the 60-year-old said.
A neighbour who did not wish to be named said: “It’s a very distressing time for us and the neighbourhood. We’ve all grown up together. We’ve all lived in these houses for 25, 30 years. Everyone knows everyone.
“It was a very big fire. The fire was blazing. It was non-stop. “It’s a very tragic time.”
Brent Council said it has set up a rest centre nearby and has a dedicated team looking after families who needed to be evacuated. Dawn Butler, the local Labour MP for Brent East, said in a post on X: “Devastated to see the fatal fire at homes in Tillett Close last night. My prayers are with the family and friends affected by this is a very sad tragedy.”
LFB Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster said: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the brigade are with those impacted by this incident. Our specialist fire investigation unit are working closely with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service to now determine the cause of this fire. We are working closely with our partners to support the community at this very sad time.”
In total eight fire engines and around 70 firefighters were sent to the blaze, LFB said, with some crews still at the scene on Saturday morning. Two other people – a woman in her 70s and a teenage girl – were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and their condition is unknown, police said.
LAS said the air ambulance, incident response officers, an advanced paramedic and hazardous area response team were deployed. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 509/24May or anonymously through Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
Met Police updated statement in full on Saturday afternoon
Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in North West London, provided the following statement at the scene in Tillett Close, Stonebridge: “I’m here to provide an update on the tragic incident that occurred here overnight. Firstly, my thoughts – and the thoughts of all of the emergency services – are with the four people who died in the fire – as well as the two people who were taken to hospital.
“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation and we are working closely with the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire. Our officers were called to the scene in Tillett Close shortly after 1am.
“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. We remain in the early stages of our investigation, however one man was arrested outside the house. He remains in custody and is being questioned by officers.
“I recognise the significant impact this incident has had on the community. We are working closely with local authority partners and will have officers in Tillet Close throughout the day. I would also ask anyone with information about what happened to contact us by calling 101 or speaking to officers at the scene.”
If you knew the mum and her children and would like to pay tribute to them you can do so by emailing [email protected]
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