The parents of a schoolgirl, aged 15, that was killed in a flat fire in Beckton are suffering “unimaginable pain”, the Mayor of Newham has said.
Metropolitan Police on Sunday named Tiffany Regis as the victim of the blaze, which is being treated as arson, at a block of flats in Tollgate Road on Thursday April 6 around 5.30pm.
A number of friends had reportedly gathered at the address to celebrate Easter holidays and other young people at the flat were injured in the fire. Their injuries were not life-threatening.
Children as young as four reportedly jumped from upper-floor windows to escape the flames onto an old mattress laid out by hero neighbours.
A man, 16, was arrested on April 6 on suspicion of murder. He was taken to an east London police station and was later released on bail to return on a date in early May.
An investigation by the Specialist Crime Command has been launched.
“I know that there were a number of young people and residents inside the address before the fire happened and our enquiries are ongoing to identify everyone who was there, not least of all to ensure that everyone is okay,” Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said on Sunday.
“We are at the very early stages of our investigation and are still keen to hear from anyone who was present or has any information but has not yet spoken with police. Please get in touch.”
A scene and safety cordons remain in place. Enquiries are ongoing.
Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended the fire and Tiffany died at the scene.
A post-mortem examination and formal identification took place at East Ham Mortuary on Saturday April 8.
“While identification was not conclusive, we believe that Tiffany Regis, aged 15, died in the fire,” the Met said on Sunday.
The cause of death was smoke inhalation. Tiffany’s family has been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said Tiffany’s parents are “going through unimaginable pain at the loss of their much loved 15-year-old daughter who brought so much joy”.
“I am deeply upset by this tragic loss of a young life, as is everyone in Newham,” she added.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Tiffany’s parents, family and friends at this very difficult and heart-breaking time. I am urging anyone with any information to contact the police incident room.
“Our priority is to support Tiffany’s parents grieving the loss of their child; and all those young people who have lost a dear friend.”
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads the North East Command Unit, said: “Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities and I don’t underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.
“Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter Weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns.”
Vasee Ahmed a family friend, who saw the blaze take hold, earlier told the Standard: “Tiffany was loving and caring and was very close to my daughter and wife.
“Tiffany was living with her gran near the Asda as her gran was elderly.
“I think the school friends got together and met up in the flat to just have a chat and enjoy their holidays.
“My daughter is in the same class as Tiffany in Kingsford Community School.
“We always saw Tiffany she was so generous and humble and has a heart of gold.”
