London tragedy: Pakistani mother burnt to death with three children was pregnant

Dubai: A Pakistani mother who was burnt to death in a fire at her home in Brent, northwest London, along with her three children was pregnant, initial investigation and media reports revealed.

The victims have been named as 43-year-old Nusrat Usman, her daughter Maryam, 15, and her two sons, Musa Usman, 8, and Raees Usman. Neighbours told the police that Nusrat was also pregnant at the time of her death.

Many neighbours described the victims as a loving and quiet family of Pakistani origin who had lived in the area for years. Floral tributes, candles, and a blue teddy bear have been placed near the burnt-out home as forensics teams continue to examine the scene.

The fire broke out at around 1am at the family’s home on Tillett Close, Stonebridge. Emergency services arrived shortly after 1:20am and battled the blaze for over two hours. Despite the efforts of firefighters and paramedics, the mother and her three children were pronounced dead at the scene.

Grandmother survived

Two other members of the family, a woman in her seventies believed to be the children’s grandmother, and a 13-year-old girl, were rescued and taken to hospital. The older woman has since been discharged, while the teenage girl remains in critical condition.

Eight fire engines and around 70 firefighters from nearby stations responded to the emergency, with the front of the terraced home engulfed in flames by the time they arrived. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to reports in the British media.

Horror and heroism

Neighbours were awoken by the sound of screams and explosions. Some rushed to help, including Victor Pedra, a 33-year-old electrician who broke a window with his bare hands to rescue the elderly woman and teenager.

“I saw people just standing and watching the flames. I knew I had to do something. The grandmother and one of the daughters managed to get out through the garden because the front door was blocked,” said Pedra. He added he was unable to reach the second floor, where the mother and her children were trapped.

Suspect

Another witness described seeing a barefoot man, covered in soot, outside the burning house crying, “My children, my wife, my whole family is in there.” A neighbour stayed with the man until police arrived. He was later identified as a 41-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been bailed and detained under the Mental Health Act, according to the police.

Police investigation

Superintendent Steve Allen of the Metropolitan Police confirmed the deaths and offered condolences on behalf of the force. “Our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened. Specialist officers are supporting the wider family, who have asked for privacy.”

“We recognise the significant impact this has had on the community. Officers will remain in Tillett Close in the coming days as we continue our investigation,” he added.

The cause of the fire and the full circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.