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TRAGIC BLAZE
Man arrested on suspicion of murder after mum & her 3 children, 4, 8, & 15, die in house fire with 2 others in hospital
A woman in her 70s and a teenage girl were also rushed to hospital
COPS have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after a mum and her three children died in a house fire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of a devastating house fire in Brent, north west London at 1.20am.
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A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.
Cops originally said three boys had died in the fire that spread across two properties.
But The Met Police has since clarified a 15-year-old girl died along with two boys - aged eight and four.
During a brief press conference from the scene this afternoon, Superintendent Steve Allen confirmed those who died were all part of the same family.
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Reading from a statement, he said: "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."
He added: "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.
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"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 the local authority partners, and will have officers in Tillet Close throughout the day.
"I would ask anyone with information about what happened to contact us by calling 101, or speaking to officers at the scene."
Eight fire engines and 70 firefighters were called to the Stonebridge area and rescued a 43-year-old woman and one child from the second floor of a house.
They received immediate emergency care but tragically could not be saved.
Two more children were then discovered inside as firefighters worked to tackle the horror blaze, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Met Police said two others were taken to hospital – a woman in her 70s and a teenage girl.
The family of those who died in the inferno have been informed.
Two three-floor terraced houses were severely damaged by the fire.
Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control by 3.24am, and the cause of the inferno is under investigation.
Pictures from this morning show residents with suitcases and coats outside the charred remains of the building.
Some balconies were burned to a crisp in the fire.
A spokesperson for the Met said: "We were called at 11:37hrs on Saturday, 24 May to reports of a group of people fighting in Holloway Road, N19.
"Met officers responded and arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody.
"There were no reports of any injuries.
"Our investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 3012/24May."
Neighbour Elmi Shakira, told The Sun the family were "lovely people.”
“That fire was insane, I’ve lived here for so long - I’ve seen fires but not like that. That was such a bad fire.”
Florim Fazliu, who has lived on the road since 2010, told The Sun: "They are a very, very nice family. The kids were going to the same school as mine.”
“I was shocked, it's unbelievable."
Mohamed Labidi, a 38-year-old teacher who lives on Tillet Close, said he "can't even look at the house" which was gutted in a fire.
He said he made the first call to the fire brigade in the early hours of the morning.
He said he knew those who died in the fire and they were "really good people".
One neighbour who lives nearby told : "I was shocked — I can’t even tell you how it felt...just heartbroken. They were a lovely family."
Another resident said the fire was "blazing" and people were banging on her door to make sure she got out.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, wrote on social media: “This is devastating news and my thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community of the four people who sadly have lost their lives.
“I remain in close contact with the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police as they work to establish the cause of the fire and offer support to all those impacted.”
Dawn Butler, the local MP, posted on X: "Devastated to see the fatal fire at homes in Tillet Close last night.
"My prayers are with the family and friends affected by this is a very sad tragedy."
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.
“Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire, involving two adjoining properties. Crews immediately set to work carrying out in order to bring the incident under control.
“Sadly, a woman and three children have died as a result of this fire.
"Crews wearing breathing apparatus were able to rescue the woman and one of the children from the second floor, but they were later declared deceased at the scene.
"A further two children were discovered to have died in the fire, as crews carried out a search of the properties involved."
He added that his force is working "closely" with police to determine the cause of the fire.
Mr Allen also said previously said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with everyone involved.
"Officers arrested a man at the scene and we continue to work alongside investigators from the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire.
"Emergency services will remain in Tillet Close throughout the day as these enquiries take place."
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 509/24May.
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Brent Council posted a statement saying: "The council has set up a rest centre nearby and a dedicated team has been looking after families who needed to be evacuated. We will continue to support those affected."
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