Firefighters have found a sixth body in a house fire that saw a family ripped apart by a blaze during Diwali celebrations.
Three children, their mother Seema Ratra and another two adults from the same family are all now feared dead after investigators managed to enter the ravaged home for the first time since the fire on Sunday night.
The father Aroen Kishen is believed to have escaped the home and was seen by neighbours screaming “my kids, my kids” when he discovered they were still trapped inside.
Aroen Kishen pictured with his wife Seema Ratra and two children— (Supplied)
He was later taken to hospital with serious burns and is still receiving treatment after the blaze on Channel Close in Hounslow on Sunday night. His condition is not thought life-threatening.
Firefighters made the grim discovery only after the walls were shored up, the roof removed and the property was declared safe to enter.
The roof has now been completely removed— (Barney Davis)
The senior investigating officer DCI Garth Hall said: “Firstly, I want to express my sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible incident. The deaths of so many people, including children, is simply heart-breaking.
“We intend to complete a meticulous investigation into how this tragedy happened. For many days now the scene has been too unstable and dangerous to complete many of our inquiries.
“We have now been able to sadly confirm the death of a sixth person. The investigation into the cause of the fire continues and I must express my thanks to the London Fire Brigade, their knowledge and experience has been crucial in helping us understand what may have happened that dreadful night.
“These deaths are still being treated as unexplained and we are liaising closely with the Coroner. We understand that family and communities will be looking for answers, but this will be a thorough investigation and we will not rush to any judgement, but follow where the evidence leads.”
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via X (Twitter) @MetCC. Please quote Operation Hamalton. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
