Man arrested on suspicion of murder as three children and a woman die in house fire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three children and a woman died in a house fire in Brent, northwest London.

Metropolitan Police officers are investigating after being called to assist firefighters in Stonebridge, near Wembley, shortly after 1.20am. A 43-year-old woman and three children, a 15-year-old girl, an eight-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy, died at the scene, the force said.

Their next-of-kin have been informed. Police are waiting for an update on the conditions of two others who were taken to hospital.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody. Witness Mohamed Labidi, 38, said: "They're very good people, no problems on their side at all.

It's really shocking. It's a really strong community here, we look after each other.

"We used to socialise together. I can't even look at the house right now," he added.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "It's horrible, we saw people running outside. It's hard to process.

I only just moved in so it's hard to think about it." Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to the blaze, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. Two terrace houses, each with three floors, were severely damaged in the fire, which was under control by around 3.25am, the fire service added.

Firefighters rescued the woman and one of the children from the second floor of the house, but they were declared dead by air ambulance crews. The two other children were found inside the property and were also declared dead at the scene, LFB said.

LFB assistant commissioner Keeley Foster said: "Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire, involving two adjoining properties. Crews immediately set to work carrying out firefighting operations in order to bring the incident under control.

"Sadly, a woman and three children have died as a result of this fire. "Crews wearing breathing apparatus were able to rescue the woman and one of the children from the second floor, but they were later declared deceased at the scene.

"A further two children were discovered to have died in the fire, as crews carried out a search of the properties involved." She added: "This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the brigade are with those impacted by this incident." London Ambulance Service said an air ambulance, incident response officers, advanced paramedic and hazardous area response team were deployed. Read more from Sky News:Trade war fears reignite as EU strikes back at Trump's threatWhy Russian troops are massing near Ukraine's 'fortress city'UN chief condemns 'teaspoon' of aid allowed into Gaza Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met's local policing team in northwest London, said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with everyone involved.

"Officers arrested a man at the scene and we continue to work alongside investigators from the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire. "Emergency services will remain in Tillett Close throughout the day as these enquiries take place." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a post on X: "This is devastating news and my thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community of the four people who sadly have lost their lives.

"I remain in close contact with the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police as they work to establish the cause of the fire and offer support to all those impacted." Dawn Butler, the local Labour MP for Brent East, posted: "Devastated to see the fatal fire at homes in Tillett Close last night. "My prayers are with the family and friends affected by this is a very sad tragedy.

"@LFB_Brent worked hard to get it under control, thank you.".