A woman and her three children have died in a devastating house fire in north west London.
Emergency services were called to Tillett Close in Stonebridge, Brent, at 1.22am on Saturday after the blaze broke out at a residential property.
A 43-year-old woman and three children – a 15-year-old girl, an eight-year-old boy, and a four-year-old boy – were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other people were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. Their conditions are not yet known.
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.
An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the fire, with the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade working jointly at the scene.
Neighbours said the family are of Pakistani origin and had lived on Tillett Close for a long time.
Firefighters said the mother and one of her children were rescued from the second floor but declared dead by air ambulance crews.
The other two children who were declared dead were found inside the property as crews tackled the blaze, London Fire Brigade said.
A woman in her 70s and a teenage girl who were both from members of the family were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service and continue to receive treatment, police said.
At the scene, Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in north west London, said: “I can confirm a woman and three of her children died at the scene.
“A further two members of the same family were taken to hospital and continue to receive treatment.”
He added: “The wider family have been informed, and officers will continue to support them at this incredibly difficult time.
“We remain in the early stages of our investigation. However, one man was arrested outside the house. He remains in custody and is being questioned by officers.
“I recognise the significant impact this incident has had on the community. We are working closely with the local authority partners, and will have officers in Tillett Close throughout the day.
“I would ask anyone with information about what happened to contact us by calling 101, or speaking to officers at the scene.”
The victims’ next of kin have been informed, and police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Cecilia Marquis, 60, a caterer at Brentford FC said she is “stunned by the devastation” after four people died in a house fire on her street in north-west London.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Ms Marquis said of the fire in Tillett Close, Stonebridge: “This will leave a devastating impact.”
She said she went outside to see the blaze and firefighters tackling it in the early hours of the morning.
“I just feel numb,” the 60-year-old said.
“I’m stunned by the devastation.
“My clothes were smelling of the fire – I had to have a shower when I got I in.”
Mohamed Labidi, a 38-year-old teacher who lives on Tillett 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.
Speaking to the PA news agency, he said he knew the woman, and that the four who died in the fire were “really good people”.
“We used to socialise together,” he said.
“I can’t even look at the house right now.”
Brent Council said it has set up a rest centre nearby and has a dedicated team looking after families who needed to be evacuated.
Dawn Butler, the local Labour MP for Brent East, said in a post on X: “Devastated to see the fatal fire at homes in Tillett Close last night,” .
“My prayers are with the family and friends affected by this is a very sad tragedy.”
Keeley Foster, assistant commissioner of LFB, told reporters: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the brigade are with those impacted.
“Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well developed fire involving two adjoining properties.
“Crews immediately set to work carrying out fire fighting operations in order to bring the incident under control.
“We are working closely with our partners to support the community at this very sad time.”
Eight fire engines and around 70 firefighters were sent to the blaze, LFB said, with a police cordon in place and some crews still at the scene on Saturday afternoon.
London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said in a post on X: “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.”
Anyone with details that could assist the investigation is urged to call 101 quoting CAD 509/24May. Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
