A mother and her three children who died in a London house fire have been named.
Nusrat Usman, 43, Maryam Mikaiel, 15, Musa Usman, eight, and Raees Usman, four, all sadly lost their lives at the fire which ravaged through their property in Tillett Close, Stonebridge at around 1am yesterday.
A woman in her 70s was taken to hospital but has since been released and a 13-year-old girl remains in hospital in a ‘critical condition’.
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. He has since been bailed and was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.
Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in north-west London, said: ‘Our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened.
‘Specialist officers are continuing to support the wider family who have asked for privacy at this deeply upsetting time.
‘Local officers are working closely with officers from the Specialist Crime Command on what continues to be a very complex investigation.
A mother and her three children who died in a London house fire have been named.
Nusrat Usman, 43, Maryam Mikaiel, 15, Musa Usman, eight, and Raees Usman, four, all sadly lost their lives at the fire which ravaged through their property in Tillett Close, Stonebridge at around 1am yesterday
‘I’d like to thank the members of public, our first responding officers and colleagues from other emergency services for their efforts during this highly pressurised and distressing incident.
‘Equally, we appreciate this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive. You will see extra officers in the area during the coming days and some of the cordons will remain in place.
‘We are grateful for your patience and understanding. If you have any concerns then please speak to them.’
Local councillor Tariq Dar MBE yesterday named Usman Ghani as the man whose children and wife had been killed.
He wrote on Facebook: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of the wife and three beloved children—a daughter and two young sons—of Brother Usman Ghani in a tragic house fire in Wembley last night.
‘Please remember the entire family in your heartfelt duas during this incredibly difficult time.’
Devastated neighbours raised the alarm at 1am when they saw flames coming from the building and later heard ‘small explosions’.
One neighbour who did not wish to be named told MailOnline: ‘A Somali family lived next door. They came out through the back because the front door was stuck.
‘I brought the children into my house. They were distraught and shaken up.’
Michael Quinlivan, 83, has lived in the area for 49 years and said he had never witnessed anything like this.
‘I woke up at quarter to three in the morning, when I came down there were a load of people sitting on those stairs.
‘I think I knew the older lady – she was a nice woman. Every time I saw her we’d talk. I went back to bed and could still hear people talking.’
Anyone with information that could assist the Met’s investigation is urged to call 101 with the reference 509/24MAY.
Information can also be shared anonymously to Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
