Woman and three children killed in tragic house fire named as man arrested on suspicion of murder bailed and detained under Mental Health Act

The four people who died following a house fire in Brent have been named.

Met officers were called to assist the London Fire Brigade at the fire in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, Brent, at 1:22am on Saturday, 24 May.

Sadly, a woman and her three children died at the scene.

Detectives have named them as Nusrat Usman, 43, Maryam Mikaiel, 15, Musa Usman, 8, and Raees Usman, 4.

A woman in her 70s was taken to hospital but has since been released. A 13-year-old girl remains in hospital in a critical condition.

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.

“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.”

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. He has since been bailed and was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.

A police and fire service investigation remains under way into the cause of the fire.

Met Police officers were called to assist the London Fire Brigade after being called to the fire.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Sadly, four people, a 43-year-old woman, and three children, a girl aged 15, and two boys, aged eight and four, died at the scene.

"Their next-of-kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"A further two people were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service."

Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met's local policing team in north-west London, said on the day of the fire: "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."

A London Fire Service spokesperson said: "Eight fire engines and around 70 firefighters were deployed to the scene.

"Two terraced houses, each consisting of three floors, were severely damaged by the fire.

"Four people left the properties before the Brigade arrived. All were assessed on scene by the London Ambulance Service, and two were taken to hospital for further treatment.

"A woman and a child were rescued from the second floor of one property by crews wearing breathing apparatus and received immediate emergency care.

"Both were sadly declared deceased at the scene by a Helicopter Emergency Services (HEMS) team.

"Two more children were discovered inside the property as crews carried out firefighting operations and were declared deceased at the scene."

The Brigade received the first of over 20 calls reporting the fire at 1:13am, and crews from Wembley, Park Royal, Willesden and surrounding fire stations were mobilised to the scene.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control by 3:24am.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by officers from the Brigade’s Fire Investigation Unit and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster said: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the Brigade are with those impacted by this incident.

“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.

“Our specialist Fire Investigation Unit are working closely with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service to now determine the cause of this fire.

“We are working closely with our partners to support the community at this very sad time.”

Dawn Butler, the local Labour MP for Brent East said in a post on X: "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. I continue to liaise with emergency services, police and council to support families affected.

"If you are affected and need support please contact me at: dawn.butler.mp@parliament.uk. Anyone with information that could assist the Met is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 509/24May."

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: "Last night London Fire Brigade responded to a house fire on Tillett Close in Stonebridge, which tragically claimed the lives of four people.

"Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this horrific incident.

"The council has set up a rest centre nearby and a dedicated team has been looking after families who needed to be evacuated. We will continue to support those affected.

"We are working closely with the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police as they conduct their investigations into the cause of the fire, and will continue to offer them our full support and assistance."

Superintendent Steve Allen from the local policing team in north-west London said: "Firstly, my thoughts - and the thoughts of all of the emergency services - are with the four people who died in the fire - as well as the two people who were taken to hospital.

"Detectives from the Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation - and we are working closely with the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire.

"Our officers were called to the scene in Tillett Close shortly after one o'clock this morning.

"Despite the efforts of the emergency services, I can confirm a woman and three of her children died at the scene.

"A further two members of the same family were taken to hospital and continue to receive treatment.

"The wider family have been informed, and officers will continue to support them at this incredibly difficult time.

"We remain in the early stages of our investigation, however one man was arrested outside the house. He remains in custody and is being questioned by officers.

"I recognise the significant impact this incident has had on the community. We are working closely with local authority partners and will have officers in Tillet Close throughout the day.

"I would also ask anyone with information about what happened to contact us by calling 101 or speaking to officers at the scene."

Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.