A sixth person has been confirmed dead following a house fire which killed five others in west London.
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to the blaze in Channel Close, Hounslow, at 10.26pm on Sunday, London Fire Brigade said.
Five people on the first floor of the building, that the Metropolitan Police believe were from the same family, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deaths of so many people, including children, is simply heartbreaking— Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall
The force previously said two adults and three children are among the victims.
The age of the sixth person has not been confirmed.
Two people who lived in the house, both adults, have been named locally as Aroen Kishen and his wife Seema.
None of the victims have yet been formally identified and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course.
The victims’ families have been informed of the development and are being supported by specialist officers.
The ground floor and first floor of the mid-terraced house were destroyed by the fire and part of the roof was also damaged.
One man, believed to be Mr Kishen, left the property before emergency crews arrived and was later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The cause of the blaze was not yet clear, police said.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector 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 heartbreaking.
“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— Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall
“For many days now the scene has been too unstable and dangerous to complete many of our inquiries.
“It was only after the walls were shored up, and the roof removed, that it became safe enough for search teams to enter the premises.
“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 judgment, but follow where the evidence leads.”
