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A north London community is reeling today after a horrific house fire in Stonebridge claimed the lives of a mother and her three young children in the early hours of Friday, May 24. Police have swiftly arrested a man on suspicion of murder in connection with the devastating blaze.
Emergency services were scrambled to Tillett Close, Brent, after calls reporting a fire at 1:13 AM. Eight fire engines and 70 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) bravely battled the intense flames that severely damaged two three-floor terraced houses.
Fire crews, equipped with breathing apparatus, managed to pull a 43-year-old woman and one of her children from the second floor. Tragically, both were pronounced deceased at the scene. Further searches of the property revealed two more children had also perished in the fire. Police later confirmed the victims as the 43-year-old mother, a 15-year-old girl, an eight-year-old boy, and a four-year-old boy. Their next-of-kin have been informed of the immense loss.
Four other occupants of the house managed to escape before firefighters arrived. Two members of the same family – a woman in her 70s and a teenage girl – were taken to hospital for further treatment, while the others were assessed by the London Ambulance Service.
A 41-year-old man was arrested outside the property on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Police have cordoned off the area as a joint investigation with the LFB's specialist Fire Investigation Unit works to establish the cause of the fire. The flames were brought under control by 3:24 AM, but left a trail of destruction.
LFB Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster expressed the Brigade's profound sorrow, stating, "This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the Brigade are with those impacted by this incident." She added that firefighters were met with a "well-developed fire" upon arrival and immediately began operations to bring it under control.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Stonebridge neighbourhood. Horrified neighbour Mohamed Labidi, a 38-year-old teacher, described the four victims as "really good people" and expressed his distress, saying, "I can't even look at the house right now." Another long-term resident noted the deep roots of the community, stating, "We've all grown up together. We've all lived in these houses for 25, 30 years. Everyone knows everyone."
Brent Council has established a rest centre nearby to support evacuated families, and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan conveyed his condolences, stating his thoughts are with the affected family, friends, and wider community. Dawn Butler, the local Labour MP for Brent East, shared her devastation on X, praising the LFB's efforts.
Superintendent Steve Allen from the Met's local policing team assured the public that emergency services will remain on Tillett Close as enquiries continue. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 509/24May.
