Hounslow: Mother who died in fire in west London named - as three children also killed
Five people from the same family were killed in a blaze in west London on Sunday evening, including a mother and her three young children.
Seema Ratra has been named as the mother who was killed in the Hounslow fire. The three children have not been named.
Their father, Aroen Kishen, is thought to have survived, and been taken to hospital. One person remains unaccounted for.
Next-door neighbour, Felicia Matei, told Sky News that she heard Mr Kishen screaming "my kids, my kids" as she and her own family fled their home around 10.20pm on Sunday.
"It was a big fire. I screamed to my family and said we need to run away," she said.
Around 70 firefighters battled the blaze until the early hours of Monday morning, as it consumed two floors and the roof of the property.
Devastated family members attended the scene throughout the day, many of them too distressed to speak.
Amaranth Lal, a cousin, said he had rushed to the house as soon as he could, and that the family was waiting for more information.
Nick Marbrow, a nearby resident on Sutton Road, with a view towards the burned-out house, said he noticed an "unusual amount of smoke" on Sunday evening.
He said: "When I went to bed last night, I could see a lot of smoke. I could see an unusual amount of smoke, but then it is Diwali, there were fireworks going off.
"It's very unusual for this area, it's safe around here."
Speaking to reporters at the police cordon, Met Police Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson said: "I know that people across the country are shocked and saddened by this terrible event last night.
"Everyone will want to know why this tragedy occurred.
"We will be working tirelessly with our colleagues at the London Fire Brigade to find those answers. At this time we have an open mind as to the cause of the fire.
"I would ask people not to add to that uncertainty by speculating."
London Fire commissioner Andy Roe also said: "This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time.
"Staff will be in the local community today to offer support and advice where needed.
"The welfare of our staff is very important and all those involved will be offered support from our counselling and trauma service."
