**Murder Investigation Underway After Four Die in London House Fire**
A murder investigation has been launched following a devastating house fire in Stonebridge, north-west London, which claimed the lives of a woman and three children in the early hours of Saturday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene on Tillett Close at 1:22 am, where the fire tore through a residential property.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the victims have been identified as a 43-year-old woman, a 15-year-old girl, and two boys aged eight and four. All four were pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of firefighters and paramedics. Authorities initially gave incorrect information regarding the gender of the children but later clarified the details as the investigation progressed.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) stated that both the woman and one of the children were rescued from the upper floor of the house before being handed over to an air ambulance crew. Sadly, both were declared dead at the scene. Fire crews continued their efforts, locating the remaining two children inside the property as they battled to bring the blaze under control.
The incident has left the local community in shock. Police have confirmed that relatives of the deceased have been informed and are being supported during this difficult time. Meanwhile, a 41-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene on suspicion of murder. He remains under arrest as detectives continue their inquiries, with the street cordoned off and the property extensively damaged by fire.
Superintendent Steve Allen, leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police’s north-west London team, addressed the media, saying, “This is an exceptionally tragic event, and our deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected. Our officers, working alongside LFB investigators, are dedicated to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the fire.”
London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, conveyed his condolences on social media, describing the incident as “devastating news”. He added, “My thoughts are with the family, friends, and the entire community who are mourning this immense loss. I am in regular contact with the emergency services as they determine what happened and offer support to those affected.”
Residents on Tillett Close spoke of their disbelief and sorrow. Mohamed Labidi, a 38-year-old teacher and neighbour, told reporters, “The family were really good people. We often socialised together. The sight of the house now is just unimaginable.” Another resident, who asked not to be named, shared, “It’s shocking to see, people running outside and all the chaos. For someone who just moved in, it’s hard to make sense of it all.”
Local Brent East MP, Dawn Butler, echoed the community’s grief, stating, “This tragedy is heart-breaking. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted. London Fire Brigade crews worked bravely to bring the fire under control, and I thank them for their efforts.”
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster highlighted that the fire investigation team is collaborating closely with police to determine the exact cause of the blaze. “We are providing all necessary support to the community during this very difficult period,” she confirmed.
The scale of the emergency response was significant, with eight fire engines and around 70 firefighters attending the property. Some crews remained on site throughout Saturday morning to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to assist investigators. The London Ambulance Service confirmed that in addition to the four fatalities, a woman in her seventies and a teenage girl were taken to hospital. Their current condition remains unknown.
Metropolitan Police have appealed for anyone with information about the fire to come forward, urging witnesses or those with relevant details to contact 101 and quote reference CAD 509/24May, or to provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers.
As the police and fire service continue their painstaking inquiries, the community in Stonebridge is left coping with the aftermath of a tragedy that has brought heartbreak to Tillett Close and far beyond. The cause of the fire, while suspected to be suspicious, has not yet been formally determined, and authorities are asking for patience as their investigations continue.