Four Asian family members die in Brent house fire

A MOTHER and her three children, all from an Asian-origin family, died in a house fire in Stonebridge, Brent, in the early hours of Saturday morning, the Metropolitan Police said.

Nusrat Usman, 43, her daughter Maryam Mikaiel, 15, and sons Musa Usman, eight, and Raees Usman, four, were killed when the fire broke out at their home in Tillett Close.

A 13-year-old girl remains in hospital in a critical condition, while a woman in her 70s has been discharged from hospital. A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene. He has since been bailed and detained under the Mental Health Act, the police said.

The fire broke out at about 01:20 BST on Saturday. Eight fire engines and around 70 firefighters from stations including Wembley, Park Royal and Willesden were sent to tackle the fire, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. Two terraced three-storey homes were gutted in the blaze.

The LFB said a woman and child were rescued from the second floor but were declared dead at the scene, while two other children were later found and also declared dead. Flowers and teddy bears were placed near the properties on Sunday.

A neighbour told the BBC the family had moved to the UK from Pakistan more than 20 years ago. Mohamed Labidi, a 38-year-old teacher, said the family were “really good people”. Another neighbour described feeling “numb” and “stunned by the devastation” caused by the fire.

Superintendent Steve Allen said specialist officers are supporting the family. He said local officers are working with the Specialist Crime Command in what is a complex investigation. He thanked the public and emergency services for their efforts and said extra officers would be in the area in the coming days.

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference 509/24MAY or share information anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.