Boy, 16, arrested on suspicion of murder after girl dies in London flat fire
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 14-year-old girl died in a fire at a block of flats in east London.
Police were called to reports of a fire in Tollgate Road, Beckton, at around 5.28pm on Thursday. The fire is being investigated as suspected arson and has prompted a murder investigation.
A 14-year-old girl, named locally as Tiffany, died at the scene and five others at the address were injured, but Scotland Yard said their conditions were “not life-threatening and they have since been discharged from hospital”.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident, and police are investigating.
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads the north east borough command unit, said: “My thoughts at this time are with the victim and their family and friends.
“Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities, and I don’t underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond. Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter weekend. Please talk to them if you have any concerns.”
Teenagers have been leaving floral tributes at the scene of the fire. One 14-year-old, who arrived at the scene with her mother to lay flowers, said she was in the same school class as the victim.
Two girls were seen hugging and crying as they placed flowers on the pavement outside the block of flats.
A man who said he was a family friend, said: “She (Tiffany) was an angel, I’ve even got videos of her from when she was young. She spent some time with my little nephews. Those memories with her I will never forget.”
Rahina Begum, who lives opposite the flats, described how the fire “went up very quickly”, adding: “In 10 to 15 seconds, the whole building was on fire from the bottom to the top. The flames were so high. Somebody dying is so sad.”
Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, described seeing people jump from windows to try to escape the flames.
Forensic officers are at the scene of the blaze and the Metropolitan Police have sealed off a section of Tollgate Road.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, of the Met’s specialist crime command, said: “We are at the very early stages of our investigation and are still keen to hear from anyone who has information but has not yet spoken with police.
“I would like to thank residents in the immediate area for their co-operation while my team conduct their enquiries. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim.”
Richard Arnold, London Fire Brigade’s borough commander for Newham, said: “We would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the teenage girl who died at the scene of the fire yesterday evening.
“This was a very tragic incident, and our crews who attended the scene are receiving support from our counselling and trauma service.”
Rokhsana Fiaz, the mayor of Newham, said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident and offered “deepest condolences to loved ones now in mourning”.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @metcc quoting 5315/6APR.
