Police investigating a fatal house fire in Hounslow at the weekend have confirmed that a sixth person was killed alongside two adults and three children.
The Metropolitan Police says it is continuing its enquiries into the fire on Sunday November 13 at 10.30pm in Channel Close in west London, which locals have speculated may have been caused by Diwali fireworks.
The bodies of five people – among them mother Seema Ratra and her three young children, named locally as Riyan, Shanaya and Arohi – were found in the home, while a sixth person was unaccounted for.
Police confirmed on Thursday that they had found a sixth body in the home, and that the bodies discovered were those of both adults and children. Formal identification has not taken place and the deaths are currently being treated as ‘unexplained’.
Seema’s husband, Aroen Kishen, was seen screaming ‘My kids, my kids’ as the fire ripped through the property. Police say a man was taken to hospital and treated for non life-threatening injuries.
Aroen Kishen and his wife Seema with their children. The family was in the house on Channel Close, Hounslow, when the blaze broke out
Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall, senior investigating officer, said: ‘Firstly, I want to express my sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible incident. The deaths of so many people, including children, is simply heart-breaking.
‘We intend to complete a meticulous investigation into how this tragedy happened. For many days now the scene has been too unstable and dangerous to complete many of our inquiries. It was only after the walls were shored up, and the roof removed, that it became safe enough for search teams to enter the premises.
‘We have now been able to sadly confirm the death of a sixth person. The investigation into the cause of the fire continues and I must express my thanks to the London Fire Brigade, their knowledge and experience has been crucial in helping us understand what may have happened that dreadful night.
‘These deaths are still being treated as unexplained and we are liaising closely with the Coroner. We understand that family and communities will be looking for answers, but this will be a thorough investigation and we will not rush to any judgement, but follow where the evidence leads. Should there be any change in the nature of this inquiry, we will share that information immediately.
‘Lastly, we are still appealing for witnesses, or anyone who recorded anything on their phones that night, to come forward. If you have anything that can assist this investigation please get in contact. Any bit of information, no matter how small, may help us understand what happened that night.’
This is a breaking story, more to follow.
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