House fire kills five members of same family

Five members of the same family have been killed in a house fire in west London, the Metropolitan Police believe.

Around 70 firefighters were called to the fire at a house in Channel Close, Hounslow, just before 10.30pm on Sunday and tackled the blaze for three hours before it was brought under control.

London Fire Brigade said the five victims were found dead on the first floor of the home, which was completely destroyed by flames along with the ground floor.

A sixth person remains unaccounted for, while one man left the property before emergency crews arrived and was later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Metropolitan Police said the five victims are believed to be members of the same family. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe 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.”

Nearby homes were evacuated during the blaze, which was brought under control by 1.25am on Monday.

Dileep Singh, 54, told the Evening Standard he raced from Manchester to Channel Close where his brother-in-law was at home with his wife, three children and two adult guests.

He told the Standard: “I received a call and came as soon as I could with my wife. We are desperate for information. My brother-in-law is alive but I don’t know what has happened to everyone else.

“We are desperate. I was told the fire came from outside from a bin. We are going to the hospital to try to get more information.”

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.”