**Family Named as Victims of Fatal House Fire in North-West London**
Police have formally named the mother and three children who tragically lost their lives following a devastating fire at two adjoining houses in Stonebridge, north-west London. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning, has left the local community in shock and prompted a significant response from emergency services and investigators alike.
The victims have been identified as Nusrat Usman, aged 43, her daughter Maryam Mikaiel, 15, and her sons Musa Usman, 8, and Raees Usman, aged just 4. All four were pronounced dead at the scene after fire rapidly engulfed their home on Tillett Close. The loss of such a young family has resonated deeply with friends, neighbours and school communities in the area.
Two additional members of the same family, a woman in her 70s and a 13-year-old girl, were also caught in the blaze. According to police reports, the older woman has since been discharged from hospital following treatment for her injuries. The teenage girl remains in hospital in a critical condition, receiving intensive care. The severity of their injuries has underscored the ferocity with which the fire took hold.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has subsequently been released on bail. Authorities later revealed that the man has been detained under the Mental Health Act, adding a further dimension of complexity to the ongoing investigation. The precise circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire are still being probed by local officers in collaboration with the Specialist Crime Command.
Superintendent Steve Allen, leading the local policing team, extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and all those affected by the tragedy. “Our thoughts go out to those impacted during this incredibly distressing time,” said Superintendent Allen. He also expressed gratitude toward the emergency services and members of the public for their efforts in tackling the blaze and supporting those caught up in the incident.
The wider family, understandably grief-stricken, has requested privacy as they come to terms with their loss. Police say that specialist officers are providing ongoing support to the family during what has been described as an unimaginably difficult period.
Tillett Close remained cordoned off to the public throughout the weekend as officers maintained a visible presence in the area. Emergency services vehicles could still be seen at the scene on Sunday morning, with sections of the road closed as investigations continued and safety assessments were carried out.
In a poignant display of mourning and solidarity, local residents and friends laid floral tributes near the fire-damaged homes. Among the tokens was a blue teddy bear, reflecting both the grief and the innocence lost in the tragic incident. These spontaneous memorials have provided an outlet for a community grappling with shock and sorrow.
The police have acknowledged the impact such a tragedy has had, noting the supportive response of the local area. Officers have urged anyone with concerns or information related to the incident to approach them directly, reassuring the public that patrols will be increased over the coming days and that some cordons will remain in place while enquiries continue.
This heart-breaking event has highlighted both the fragility of life and the strength of community spirit during times of adversity. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have asked for patience and cooperation as they work to understand exactly what happened on that fateful night.