A headteacher has paid tribute to a “highly respected” student who died in a flat fire in Lewisham, describing him as a “genuine pleasure to teach”.
Fabian Henry, 12, died after a fire broke out at his home in Orchard Gardens, Lewisham, just before midnight on Tuesday.
The “popular” schoolboy was a Year 7 pupil at The John Roan School on Westcombe Park Rd, where he enjoyed playing football.
Principal Jennie Sanderson said her thoughts and prayers were with Fabian’s family and friends at this time.
She wrote in a message to parents: “Fabian was a very popular, happy and highly respected student who was known and loved by many across the school.
“He was an extremely keen sportsman and particularly talented at football.
“Everyone who taught Fabian would say he was a genuine pleasure to teach with a bright and positive future ahead of him.”
The John Roan School will be opening a Book of Remembrance today for students to sign with tributes to Fabian.
Principal Sanderson said Fabian’s mother would take comfort in the fond memories of those who knew him.
Officers from Met Police attended with the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service on Tuesday.
Despite their efforts, Fabian was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. A woman, aged 54, was taken to hospital by paramedics. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Members of Fabian’s family visited the block of flats yesterday where they reportedly read out tributes and looked at flowers left at the scene.
Fabian has been described as a “lovely” boy and a “big Manchester United fan” by his family.
“The family wanted him to be a doctor. He was also very good at football. We are all heartbroken,” his aunt Suezette Edwards told Metro.
Principal Sanderson added: “Events such as this can be extremely difficult for young people to contemplate.
“At times like this, we know that children are helped by routine and consistency in their lives so we will be operating normal school days for the rest of this week.
“But we will also be fully supported by specially trained counsellors from London Borough of Greenwich who will be available to any student or member of staff who would like to speak to them.
“Staff will be particularly sensitive to how our young people are feeling and will ensure that they are able to speak to specialists should they need to as an outlet for their grief.
“We are a close-knit community at The John Roan and together we mourn the loss of one of our own. I
“In due course we will find an appropriate way to remember Fabian in the school but for now we will grieve together as we come to terms with our loss.”
