Third child dies after house fire in east London

Newham’s mayor describes tight-knit community’s grief, shock and horror at devastating news

Emergency services at the scene in Napier Road, East Ham, London (Rosie Shead/PA Wire)

A third child has died after a fire ripped through a family home in east London.

The blaze broke out in a terraced house on Napier Road, East Ham, just after 8.32am on Saturday with thick plumes of smoke seen pouring out of the property.

The Metropolitan Police said one child was found dead inside the property and two others have since died in hospital, with the area’s mayor describing the tight-knit community’s grief, shock and horror at the news.

Another two members of the same family remain in hospital while a third has been discharged.

Police are working to trace other relatives so they can be told.

Flowers are left at the scene in Napier Road, East Ham, London (PA)

Detective chief inspector Jonathan Burks said: “It is our incredibly sad duty to report that a third child died in hospital yesterday.

“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 the London Fire Brigade (LFB), the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions.”

Police said there is no evidence so far to suggest the fire was suspicious.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze, which damaged the ground floor and half of the first floor of the house.

The blaze broke out in a terraced house on Napier Road, East Ham, just after 8.32am on Saturday (PA)

Assistant commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: “This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time.

“Staff will be in the local community over the coming days to offer support and advice where needed.

“The welfare of our staff is very important and all those involved will be offered support from our counselling and trauma service.”

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz 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.”

She said council staff have visited the schools attended by the children and are working with London Fire Brigade to offer support and advice to the community.

Anyone with information can contact the Met on 101 quoting the reference 1996/13jul.