A THIRD child has now died following a devastating house fire in East London, with two others left in a serious condition.
The blaze broke out on the ground and first floor of a terraced house on Napier Road in East Ham, shortly before 8.30am on Saturday.
In a statement on Monday night, the mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, said it was with “profound sadness” she confirmed the third child’s death.
Following the initial call out, one child was pronounced dead and five other people taken to hospital.
Two people now remain in hospital.
A third person has been discharged and continues to be treated as an outpatient.
The Met Police said all six people are believed to be all part of the same family and investigators currently do not believe the cause of the fire is suspicious.
Enquiries are ongoing to identify and inform other family members.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Burks, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Newham, said: “It is our incredibly sad duty to report that a third child died in hospital yesterday Monday, 15 July.
“This is news that I know will cause even more upset in what has already been a devastating incident for the local community and beyond.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.
“I reiterate that we will do all we can, alongside LFB, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions.”
Newham’s mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “Knowing that a third precious child has now died following the house fire on Napier Road in East Ham adds to the deep grief and sadness felt by our community here.
“Three children have now died from a family, and there really are no words to express how as a community we are reeling from the shock and horror of what a house fire can do.
“On behalf of everyone in Newham, my continuing condolences to all those who know and love the family afflicted by this horrendous tragedy.
“The family was part of a tight-knit community which is now grieving and we will do all we can to extend our helping hand.
“Our council staff have visited local schools attended by the children to ensure staff and pupils have access to whatever support is required.
“We are also working with London Fire Brigade to offer support and advice to the wider community who may be affected.
“We will continue to support the family and local community in whatever way we can while they come to terms with this heart-breaking loss.”
A neighbour said the mother had saved her third child by sending her upstairs.
Speaking at the scene on Napier Road, Sabah Waheed, 35, said at the time the pair had known each other for 10 years.
She said: “She was a very strong lady, always looking after her children – very strong and motivated mum and this tragedy happened – I’m sure she must have tried her best to do something.
“She sent one child upstairs – she saved her life.
“But unfortunately, whatever happened three children were seriously burned.”
She added: “This is a very big loss for the local community and it’s very sad news among the friends.”
A friend of the family said they broke the windows of the house to try and save those inside.
Neighbour and friend of the family Rida Nawaz, 28, said: “We can’t believe this happened.
“There are no words to describe our feelings about them.
“My husband broke the upstairs window, I broke the front window.
“We just wanted to save them.”
Crews from East Ham, Barking, Stratford, Ilford and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade’s fire investigators and the Metropolitan Police Service.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101 and quote reference 1996/13jul.
