Police have launched an investigation after five people died following a catastrophic house fire in west London last night with one further person still unaccounted for.
The enormous inferno ripped through the property in Hounslow on Channel Close with only one man managing to leave the home before the fire brigade arrived.
He was was rushed to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and one person still remains unaccounted for.
Ruth Cadbury, the MP for Hounslow, has offered her condolences and revealed that sadly some of the five people who died were children.
The MP 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.’
Police launch an investigation after five people died in catastrophic house fire in Hounslow
The enormous inferno ripped through the property in west London ‘s Channel Close
Only one man managed to escape before the fire brigade arrived with one person still missing
Around 70 firefighters and ten fire engines were present at the scene in Hounslow
Once firefighters managed to enter the property, they found a further five people on the first floor of the home, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
Around 70 firefighters and ten fire engines were present at the scene.
It is not currently clear what caused the fire and police say it is thought all five victims were from the same family.
The ground floor and first floors of a mid-terraced house were destroyed by the fire and part of the roof was also damaged by the blaze.
Nearby homes were evacuated during the blaze, which was brought under control by 1.25am on Monday.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe has offered his condolences.
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 London Fire Brigade was called at 10.26pm and the fire was under control by 1.25am. Fire crews from Heston, Southall, Twickenham, Hayes, Feltham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.
‘The cause of the fire is under investigation.’
Police say that it is thought all five victims, including children, were from the same family
The services added it is not currently clear what caused the fire at the west London address
The London Ambulance Service also dispatched five ambulances, two officers, a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and the London Air Ambulance to provide medical assistance.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, responsible for policing in Hounslow, said: ‘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.’