THREE boys aged 4, 8, and 15, along with a woman have tragically died in a house fire that spread across two properties.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the blaze in Brent, northwest London at 1.20am.
Eight fire engines and 70 firefighters were called to the scene 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 blaze, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two others were taken to hospital, The Met Police said.
The family of those who died in the inferno have been informed.
Two three-floor terraced houses were severely damaged by the fire and a 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.
Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control by 3.24am, and the cause of the inferno is under investigation.
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 firefighting operations 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.
“A further two children were discovered to have died in the fire, as crews carried out a search of the properties involved.
“Our specialist Fire Investigation Unit are working closely with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service to now determine the cause of this fire.
“We are working closely with our partners to support the community at this very sad time.”
Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in north-west London, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with everyone involved.
“Officers arrested a man at the scene and we continue to work alongside investigators from the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire.
“Emergency services will remain in Tillett Close throughout the day as these enquiries take place.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 509/24May.
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