East Ham: Second child dies in house fire

A second child has died following a house fire in east London, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said.

The blaze broke out on the ground and first floor of a terraced house on Napier Road in East Ham, shortly before 08:30 BST on Saturday.

LFB Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne said: “Sadly, one child was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday morning, and overnight a second child died in hospital.

“Two other children and two adults were also taken to hospital, where the children and one adult remain in a serious condition.”

All six people are believed to be members of the same family and lived at the house, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.

They added there is currently “no evidence to indicate suspicious circumstances”.

No details have been released of the identities or ages of the children and officers are working to find and inform other members of the family.

Det Ch Insp Jonathan Burks said: “I appreciate that local people will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event.

“We share those sentiments and will do all we can, alongside LFB, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions about this heart-breaking incident.”

Rokhsana Fiaz, the mayor of Newham, posted on X: “It is just an unimaginable loss and my heart goes out to the parents.

“My prayers for the two children who have died. Also prayers for the surviving family members, two adults and two other children.”

She added the council would work to support the family.