DEADLY BLAZE
Mum, 43, & her 3 children, 4, 8, & 15, killed in devastating house fire named as two others remain in hospital
A 41-year-old man has been detained under the Mental Health Act
A MUM and her three children — the youngest just four years old — who died in a tragic fire have been named by police.
Officers have confirmed that a woman, Nusrat Usman, 43, and her three children — Maryam Mikaiel, 15, Musa Usman, 8, and Raees Usman, 4 — died in the house fire in Brent, north west London.
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A woman in her 70s, who was rushed to the hospital following the blaze, has since been released, while a 13-year-old girl remains in critical condition.
Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met's local policing team in north-west London, said:“Our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened.
“Specialist officers are continuing to support the wider family who have asked for privacy at this deeply upsetting time.
“Local officers are working closely with officers from the Specialist Crime Command on what continues to be a very complex investigation.
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“I’d like to thank the members of public, our first responding officers and colleagues from other emergency services for their efforts during this highly pressurised and distressing incident.
“Equally, we appreciate this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive. You will see extra officers in the area during the coming days and some of the cordons will remain in place.
“We are grateful for your patience and understanding. If you have any concerns then please speak to them.”
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the fire.
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However, officers revealed that he has since been bailed and subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.
In a brief press conference from the scene, Superintendent Steve Allen urged "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 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 showed residents with suitcases and coats outside the charred remains of the building.
I was shocked, it's unbelievable
Florim Fazliu
Some balconies were burned to a crisp in the fire.
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."
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.
'SAD TRAGEDY'
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.
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"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.
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