Third child dies in fire that engulfed east London home

A third child has died after a house fire in east London that seriously injured three others on Saturday morning.

One child was found dead inside the terraced family home on Napier Road, East Ham, where a fire had broken out around 8.30am.

The other two young victims were taken to hospital but could not be saved.

Police said that two other people remain in hospital while a third person has been discharged and is being treated as an outpatient.

They said all six are thought to be from the same family and lived at the house together. No details on the children’s names, ages or gender have been provided.

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said on Tuesday: ‘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.’

Announcing the third death, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Burks said: ‘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.’

Police said that ‘at this very early stage, there is no evidence to indicate suspicious circumstances. Enquiries are ongoing.’

London Fire Brigade’s 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.’

A photograph posted by a witness on X appeared to show someone sitting on the roof of the neighbouring house as firefighters fought to extinguish the fire. Neighbours told how they threw bricks at windows in a bid to help the family escape.

With 40 firefighters at the scene, the inferno was under control by 9.09am, fire officials said.

The cause of the fire is unknown, the fire brigade said in an incident report. Fire marshals are investigating.

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