Five members of a family, including three children, have died in a house fire in west London.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters from London Fire Brigade (LFB) were called to a terraced house in Channel Close, Hounslow, on Sunday evening.
The fire service said it was keeping an “open mind” as to the cause.
Speaking at the scene, Ch Supt Sean Wilson from the Met Police said it was a “terrible incident”.
One person remains unaccounted for and another left the property before crews arrived and was taken to hospital.
His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Firefighters discovered the bodies of five people on the first floor.
“This is truly a terrible incident the loss of so many lives will cause imaginable stress and pain to the families involved”, Ch Supt Wilson said.
“Everyone will want to know why this has happened and we will be working tirelessly with London Fire Brigade to find those answers.”
In an X post, Ruth Cadbury MP for Isleworth and Brentford, said: “I am devastated to learn this morning that five people, including children, died in a fire in a house in Hounslow last night.
“My thoughts are with their family, friends neighbours.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation and no arrests have been made
London Fire commissioner Andy Roe has offered his condolences to the families of the five people.
He 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 today 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.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation and no arrests have been made.
Nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.
Ch Supt Sean Wilson, earlier said in a statement: “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who very sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident.
“I don’t underestimate the impact that this will have on the wider community and beyond.
“I understand that there will be a demand for answers and my officers are working to establish exactly what has happened.”
Emergency services were called at 22:30 GMT and the fire was under control by 01:25.
Fire crews from Heston, Southall, Twickenham, Hayes, Feltham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
Source: BBC
