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The final report into the deadly Grenfell Tower fire will be published today – more than seven years after the disaster.

The long-running inquiry will present its findings on the 2017 blaze at the west London tower block, which claimed the lives of 72 people.

Victims of the fire ranged in age from an unborn baby to an 84-year-old woman.

These are their stories.

Anthony “Tony” Disson, 65

Tony Disson was last in contact with his family at 3am and was still inside the building

The 65-year-old retired lorry driver had lived on the 10th floor of Grenfell Tower for eight years.

In a statement, Mr Disson’s family described him as a “real family man”.

They said: “Tony was the most generous person you could ever meet, he didn’t have much but would always be there to help people.”

Ali Yawar Jafari, 82

Ali Yawar Jafari

Ali Yawar Jafari lived on the 10th floor and tried to escape the tower with his wife and daughter when the fire broke out.

They got in a lift but Mr Jafari got out on the 10th floor after suffering breathing difficulties. He was later pulled from the building by firefighters but pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said he was “loved and will be greatly missed by his family and the wider community”.

Abdeslam Sebbar, 77

Abdeslam Sebbar’s remains were found in his flat on the 11th floor.

The 77-year-old died from the inhalation of fumes.

Denis Murphy, 56

Denis Murphy - 14th floor
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Denis Murphy lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower, in flat 11, and called his family to say he was trapped during the blaze.

In a statement, Mr Murphy’s family said: “The pain, loss and sorrow we feel is indescribable and we have been left devastated with a gaping hole in our hearts that can never be filled.

“To us, he was an inspiration and an amazing, selfless caring person and we feel lucky and blessed that he was part of our family.”

Zainab Deen, 32, and Jeremiah Deen, two

Zainab Dean
Jeremiah Deen - 14th floor
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Pic: Metropolitan Police

The 32-year-old, who lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower, was on the phone with her brother until 4am on the day of the fire.

Ms Deen’s two-year-old son Jeremiah was also killed in the blaze.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Ms Deen was described as a “beautiful, loving lady”.

Zainu and Maria Deen, Jeremiah’s grandparents, said: “You spent a moment in our arms, but you will last a lifetime in our hearts.”

Mohammad Alhajali, 23

Mohammed Alhajali

A civil engineering student who lived on the 14th floor with his older brother Omar, who managed to escape from the fire, Mr Alhajali called a friend in Syria, asking him to say goodbye to his family, who he had been unable to reach.

Mr Alhajali had fled Syria with his two brothers in 2014 to start a new life in London, studying at the University of West London. He had hoped to return one day to help the country.

His friend lost contact with him at 5am. He sent one final message saying: “The fire is here now goodbye.”

A family statement read at his funeral service said he “loved London and the people he met here”.

Mr Alhajali was described as “a loving and caring person” who was “always showing support and solidarity for friends and family stuck back in Syria”.

Steve Power, 63

Steve told a friend he was reluctant to leave the flat without his two dogs

The 63-year-old was said to be reluctant to leave his two dogs. It is understood that he remained in his flat on the 15th floor.

His children said: “Our dad was nothing short of a character. He left some sort of impression on everyone, like Marmite. The majority loved him.”

Hamid Kani, 61

Hamid Kani

The 61-year-old Iranian lived alone on the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower, but his body was recovered on the 23rd floor – suggesting he fled upstairs in search of safety.

In a statement, his family, who all live in Iran, said he would be remembered “for his wit, compassion and devotion to his family and friends”.

They added: “No words can express our sorrow for his loss and the way he left us. He will always be part of our lives and his memory will live on.”

Deborah “Debbie” Lamprell, 45

Deborah Lamprell lived on the 16th floor of the building
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Debbie Lamprell lived on the 16th floor and worked front of house at Opera Holland Park.

The 45-year-old went to the top floor of the building with a group of 12 people when the fire broke out and called the emergency services.

She was described by her mother as “a wonderful, precious daughter, always smiling and helping others”.

Marjorie Vital, 68, and Ernie Vital, 50

Ernie and Marjorie Vital

Marjorie Vital lived on the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower in a flat she shared with her son, Ernie.

She had lived there almost since the tower was built in the 70s and had worked in the textile industry for many years after coming to the UK from Dominica.

Her family said: “She was a beautiful, joyful, independent, intelligent, kind-hearted, sensitive individual who dedicated her life to her children.”

Her son Ernie’s family said he worked in the catering industry: “He was a creative individual who pursued a creative life. He was a proud, humble, mature and independent man. He was a loyal son and a law-abiding citizen who maintained good relationships with all those he met in society.

“He will be remembered as a kind, sensitive and caring person with a warm-hearted smile.”

Joseph Daniels, 69

Joseph Daniels

Joseph Daniels lived on the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower and reportedly suffered from dementia, so was confused and could not be persuaded by his son to leave the building.

His son, who escaped the fire, said on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry: “The events of that night took his life and all trace of his existence from this world.”

Sheila Smith, 84

Sheila Smith

The 84-year-old’s body was recovered on the 16th floor of the tower, where she had lived for 34 years.

Sheila had two sons, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren and was said to be a “very active and well-respected” member of the community.

Her family said: “Sheila was cycling around London, performing yoga daily and swimming regularly in the Kensington Leisure Centre until she was 80 years old.

“As a family we are heartbroken as to this senseless tragedy that took her far too early, and will do all we can to honour her name.”

Kamru Miah, 79, Rabeya Begum, 64, Husna Begum, 22, Mohammed Hanif, 26, and Mohammed Hamid, 29

Five members of the Begum family are missing
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Rabeya Begum (left) and Husna Begum

Kamru Miah
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Husna Begum (left) and Komru Miah

Mohammed Hanif - 17 floor
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Mohammed Hanif

Mohammed Hanif
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Mohammed Hamid

Kamru Miah lived on the 17th floor with his wife Rabeya Begum, their daughter Husna Begum and two sons, Mohammed Hanif and Mohammed Hamid.

Mr Miah had difficulty walking and his grown-up children stayed in the tower because they knew their parents were not mobile enough to escape – all five of them died.

They were said to be on the phone with relatives throughout the blaze.

Khadija Khalloufi, 52

Khadija Khaloufi - 17th floor

Khadija Khalloufi died after she became separated from her husband, Sabah Abdullah, as they tried to escape from their flat on the 17th floor.

Due to the crush and panic in the stairwell, they were split up between the 16th and 15th floors. Mr Abdullah survived.

Vincent Chiejina, 60

Vincent Chiejina

Vincent Chiejina lived on the 17th floor and was identified by his DNA.

The 60-year-old’s provisional cause of death was given as “consistent with the effects of fire”.

Isaac Paulos, five

Isaac Paulous
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

The schoolboy’s body was discovered on the 13th floor – five levels below the flat where he lived with his family, who he was separated from during the fire.

In a statement, Isaac’s family said they would “miss our kind, energetic, generous little boy”.

They added: “He was such a good boy who was loved by his friends and family. We will miss him forever, but we know God is looking after him now and that he is safe in heaven.”

Birkti Haftom, 29, and Biruk Haftom, 12

Berkti Haftom
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Biruk Haftom
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Pic: Metropolitan Police

Birkti and her 12-year-old son Biruk lived on the 18th floor of the building.

The 29-year-old’s family described her as a “generous, caring, loving mother, partner, sister, aunty and friend” who will be “missed by us all forever”.

Biruk was described as “a loving, pure-hearted boy, wise beyond his years and known for his politeness, kind heart and his love for his family and friends.”

Their family added: “Berkti and Biruk left an everlasting legacy full of lovely memories and their contagious laughter and charisma will live in our hearts forever.

“We are deeply hurt and heartbroken our angels were taken from us so cruelly, so young. We will not rest until justice is served!”

Sakina Afrasehabi, 65, and Fatemeh Afrasiabi, 59

Sakina Afrasehabi
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Pic: Metropolitan Police

Fatima Afrasiabi

Sakina Afrasehabi lived with her younger sister Fatima in Grenfell Tower.

Sakina’s Iranian family have said she was disabled and could only move with a walking stick – but she had no choice but to live on the 18th floor of the building.

Her family said: “Sakina was a loving mother of five, who is much missed by all of us. She was completely selfless in all she did and always put other people first.”

Fatemeh’s nephew Shahrokh said he spoke on the phone to his aunt as the fire spread to the upper floors, who pleaded with him to seek help, but in the final minutes, she was quieter and then the phone disconnected.

Mohamednur Tuccu, 44, Amal Ahmedin, 35, Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin, three, and Amna Mahmud Idris, 27

Mohamednur Tuccu
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Mohamednur Tuccu

Amal Ahmedin
Image:
Amal Ahmedin

Mohamednur Tuccu and his wife and daughter, Amal Ahmedin, and Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin, were breaking their Ramadan fast with Amal’s cousin Amna Mahmud Idris and their friends when the blaze broke out.

A family statement said: “This has been a very distressing time for us as a family, but we are relieved that Amal, Amaya and Amna [Mahmud Idris] have been identified following the tragic fire. They will now be laid to rest.”

Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin
Image:
Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin

Amna Mahmud Idris
Image:
Amna Mahmud Idris

Ms Idris’s husband Ibrahim told the hearing: “She came to live with me in the UK in March 2016. After one year I lost her forever.”

Eslah Elgwahry, 64, and Mariem Elgwahry, 27

Mariem Elgwahry
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Mariem Elgwahry

Eslah Elgwahry lived with her 27-year-old daughter Mariem on the 19th floor.

Soon after the fire, a friend of her daughter shared an appeal on social media, writing: “Last someone heard from her was 2.30am, she was with her mum.”

Eslah’s remains were found on the 23rd floor, four floors higher than her flat. Mariem also died in the fire.

Mary “Sissy” Mendy, 52, and Khadija “Ya-Haddy Sisi” Saye, 24

Mary Mendy
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Mary Mendy

Also known as Sissy, Gambia-born Mary Mendy was with her daughter, artist and photographer Khadija Saye, also known as Ya-Haddy Sisi Saye, on the 20th floor of the tower.

Ms Mendy’s sister said in a tribute: “Your heart was pure, your soul was one of a kind. You will be missed for a lifetime.”

File pic: PA
Image:
Khadija Saye. Pic: PA

At the time of the blaze Ms Saye’s work was part of an exhibition at the Venice Biennale, and has since been displayed at the Tate Britain.

Her friend, the now foreign secretary David Lammy, called her “a wonderful young woman” and “a talented artist”.

Jessica Urbano Ramirez, 12

Jessica Urbano Ramirez

Jessica was at home on the 20th floor of the tower block when the fire broke out.

A family statement said: “Our little girl was loving, kind-hearted and caring. She brought joy to everyone who met her and her laugh was contagious.”

Omar Belkadi, 32, Farah Hamdan, 31, Leena Belkadi, six months, and Malak Belkadi, seven

Omar Belkadi
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Omar Belkadi

Six-month-old Leena Belkadi's body was found in the arms of her mother Farah Hamdan in Grenfell Tower
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Farah Hamdan and six-month-old Leena Belkadi

Malek, seven and Tazmin Belkaldi, six,  have been found in hospital
Image:
Malek Belkaldi with Tazmin Belkaldi, who survived

Omar Belkadi lived on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower with his wife Farah Hamdan and their three children.

They died in the fire along with two of their children, Leena and Malak Belkadi, but their daughter Tazmin survived.

Abdulaziz El Wahabi, 52, Faouzia El Wahabi, 41, Yasin El Wahabi, 20, Nur Huda El Wahabi, 16, and Medhi El Wahabi, 8

Grenfell victims Mehdi El-Wahabi (centre),  his father Abdulaziz (top left), mother Faouzia (bottom right), brother Yasin, 20 (top right), and sister Nur Huda, 15 ( bottom left)
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Mehdi El-Wahabi (centre), his father Abdulaziz (top left), mother Faouzia (bottom right), brother Yasin (top right), and sister Nur Huda ( bottom left)

Abdulaziz El Wahabi lived on the 21st floor with his wife Faouzia and their three children, Yasin, Nur Huda, and Mehdi.

Mrs El Wahabi’s niece later said: “They died in a building that should not have got to that extent to burn in that way – and that’s something we’re going to have to live with forever and it’s scary.”

Their family said: “Yasin was a lovable, bubbly and caring young man. He would lend his hand to anyone who asked for help. He was loved by so many and his contagious smile will always be etched on our minds and hearts.

“Nur Huda was a lovable, smart and kind person. She had a lot of potential and that can be recognised in her GCSE exam results. We are proud of her and will continue on remembering her and all our family and friends who have died in this tragedy.”

“Mehdi was a calm and friendly young boy who loved his family very much. He was loved by staff and pupils at his school who held a beautiful memorial and made a plaque in memory of him.”

Logan Gomes, stillborn

Logan Gomes

Unborn baby Logan Gomes was officially recorded by police as a victim of the Grenfell Tower fire.

His mother Andreia Gomes, who was seven months pregnant, lived on the 21st floor with her husband and two daughters – they all managed to escape but Logan was stillborn in hospital on 14 June. He had been due on 21 August.

Speaking on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry, his father Marcio Gomes said he and his wife had prepared for their son’s arrival by painting “twinkle twinkle little star, do you know how loved you are?” on the wall.

Logan’s sister Luana, now aged 19, told Sky News she feels guilty she survived the fire.

Raymond “Moses” Bernard, 63

Raymond 'Moses' Bernard

Raymond Bernard, known to friends as Moses, lived on the 21st floor of the tower and often stayed with his partner, Karen McMillan, on a different floor of the block.

Dubbed a “hero”, he offered shelter to six people in his flat as the fire raged and was discovered alongside them.

His family said: “Gone but not forgotten, you are so dearly loved by us all and will sadly be missed by many. May you rest in eternal peace, with love always.”

Ligaya Moore, 78

Ligaya Moore

Ligaya Moore, from the Philippines, had been a resident of Grenfell Tower for more than 40 years. She had lived alone in her flat on the 21st floor since the death of her husband some years earlier.

In a statement, her family said: “43 years ago, Aunt Ligaya, DITE, as we fondly called her, lived her dream – to live and work in London.

“She endured being away from family – not able to attend her mother’s funeral – but in exchange of all the loneliness and homesickness, she met the love of her life, Jim Moore, a British national, had a new family, acquired new friends, and built a new life in London.

“But the dream turned into a nightmare on that fateful night of June 14, when the Grenfell Tower was consumed in flames. At this time, she was already living by herself in this building, as her husband had passed away several years back.

“The jolly, bubbly person, the lady who loves to dance and who laughed her heart out, succumbed to a fire which turned her laughter into silence.”

Hashim Kedir, 44, Nura Jemal, 35, Yahya Hashim, 13, Firdaws Hashim, 12, and Yaqub Hashim, six

Hashim Kedir - 22nd floor
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Hashim Kedir. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Nura Jemal - 22nd floor
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Nura Jemal. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Siblings 12-year-old Firdaws and her brother 14-year-old Yahya Hashim
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Firdaws (left) and her brother Yahya

Yaqub Hashim - 22nd floor
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Yaqub Hashim. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Hashim Kedir and Nura Jemal lived on the 22nd floor with their children, Yahya, Firdaws, and Yaqub Hashim.

Mr Kedir’s sister described him as her “role model”, saying he was “giving and sharing until his last day”. She described him as “making friends so easily; age, gender, religion, ethnicity or social status didn’t matter”.

A statement on behalf of Ms Jemal’s family said: “You appreciated even the smallest things in life. And your joy was contagious. Being around you could lighten up anyone’s day in a matter of seconds.”

Yahya’s aunt described him as her “most kind, handsome, pure-hearted, sweet nephew”. She said: “Everyone that met you used to fall in love with your politeness and pure-heartedness”.

Firdaws was described as “intelligent, wise, eloquent and beautiful” with “the voice of an angel”.

And Yaqub’s extended family described him as an “energetic, sporty, funny, smart and cute boy”.

Sirria Choucair, 60, Bassem Choucair, 40, Nadia Choucair, 33, Fatima Choucair, 11, Mierna Choucair, 13, and Zainab Choucair, three

Sirria Choucair
Image:
Sirria Choucair

Bassem Choucair
Image:
Bassem Choucair

Sirria Choucair died along with her daughter Nadia Choucair, son-in-law Bassem and her three grandchildren, Fatima, Mierna, and Zainab.

Nadia Choucair
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Nadia Choucair

Fatima Choucair
Image:
Fatima (left), Mierna (middle) and Zaynab (right)

Bassem’s sister-in-law, Sawsan, spoke to him on the phone when the fire started.

She said: “It was just two seconds, he said ‘yeah’ and there was lots of screaming in the background.”

Marco Gottardi, 27, and Gloria Trevisan, 26

Marco Gottardi and Gloria Trevisan were both architects

The Italian architectural assistant lived on the 23rd floor with his girlfriend, architect Gloria Trevisan. The pair had moved from Venice to London around four months before the fire to look for jobs after graduating from the University of Padua.

Mr Gottardi’s cousin posted a message on Facebook the day after the fire, writing: “I don’t have no news from them since last night and their mobile phones are off. I’m praying to God they make it out safely.”

Ms Trevisan spent her final moments on the phone to her mother, telling her: “I had my whole life ahead of me. It’s not fair. I don’t want to die.”

Hesham Rahman, 57

Hesham Rahman

Hesham Rahman lived by himself in a flat on the 23rd floor and was last in contact with his family at 3am on the night of the fire. He had diabetes which made it difficult for him to walk downstairs.

He told his family he could smell smoke, adding: “Don’t worry, as soon as I’m out I’ll let you know. The police are coming to get me, I’ve spoken to them. It’s going to be okay.”

Mohamed Neda, 57

Mohamed Neda

Mohamed Neda’s wife and son escaped to safety and were taken to hospital after the fire broke out. They said he had been on the top floor of the building trying to help people.

His body was found outside the tower block, and he died as a result of multiple injuries consistent with a fall.

Speaking on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry, his brother said that losing his “best friend and role model” had brought his world crashing down.

Mr Neda’s absence “is a void that cannot be filled”, he said, adding: “The only thing I know is that my brother was a hero. He puts others first – that is the memory I will hold in my heart for as long as I live.”

Gary Maunders, 57

Gary Maunders

Gary Maunders was found among the victims on the 23rd floor.

The 57-year-old is believed to have been with his friend Deborah Lamprell, who lived on the 19th floor and was also among the victims.

Abufars Mohamed Ibrahim, 39, Isra Ibrahim, 33, and Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi, 73

Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi
Image:
Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi

Abufars Mohamed Ibrahim lived on the 23rd floor with his sister Isra and his mother Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi. They were all killed in the blaze.

Ms Ahmed, a 73-year-old pensioner, came to the UK as a refugee from Sudan.

Rania Ibrahim, 30, Fethia Hassan, four, and Hania Hassan, three

Rania Ibrham

Mother of two Rania Ibrahim, died along with her daughters Fethia and Hania Hassan.

She was seen running into a smoke-filled corridor to seek help, then looking out of the window to the street below.

Hania Hassan - 23rd floor
Image:
Hania Hassan (left) and Fethia Hassan

Her husband was not in Grenfell Tower at the time of the blaze as he was away in Egypt.

Victoria “Vicky” King, 71, and Alexandra Atala, 40

Victoria King, 71, died alongside her daughter, Alexandra Atala, 40. Pic: Met Police
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Pic: Metropolitan Police

Alexandra Atala
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Victoria King lived in Grenfell Tower with her 40-year-old daughter Alexandra Atala – they were the final two victims of the blaze to be identified.

Penny Pearce, Ms King’s sister and Ms Atala’s aunt, said: “Eventually, thanks to the Salvation Army family tracing, I was able to get in touch with her and my niece, Alexandra, living in Grenfell Tower.

“If this had not been the case, no family member would have known they had perished as no-one knew they were still living there.”

In a statement, their family said: “We were devastated to hear of our sister, Vicky’s, fate, and that of her daughter, Alexandra, in the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“Some comfort can come from the knowledge that she and Alexandra were devoted to one another and spent so many mutually supportive years together.

“They died at each other’s side and now they can rest together in peace. We will remember them always.”

Maria Del Pilar Burton, 74

Pily Burton
Image:
Pic: PA

Maria was rescued from the 19th floor but died in hospital in January 2018 from medical complications. She spent seven months in hospital following the fire.

Sky News will have full coverage of the Grenfell report on all platforms

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Man arrested on suspicion of murder as three children and a woman die in house fire

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Man arrested on suspicion of murder as three children and a woman die in house fire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three children and a woman died in a house fire in Brent, northwest London.

Metropolitan Police officers are investigating after being called to assist firefighters in Stonebridge, near Wembley, shortly after 1.20am.

A 43-year-old woman and three children, a 15-year-old girl, an eight-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy, died at the scene, the force said. Their next of kin have been informed.

Police are waiting for an update on the conditions of two others who were taken to hospital.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident and remains in custody.

Two terraced houses in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, were involved in the fire. Pic: PA
Two terraced houses in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, were involved in the fire. Pic: PA
Image:
Pics: PA

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to the blaze, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Two terrace houses, each with three floors, were severely damaged in the fire, which was under control by around 3.25am, the fire service added.

Firefighters rescued the woman and one of the children from the second floor of the house, but they were declared dead by air ambulance crews.

The two other children were found inside the property and were also declared dead at the scene, LFB said.

Emergency services on the scene. Pic: PA
Emergency services on the scene. Pic: PA
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Emergency services at the scene. Pics: PA

LFB assistant commissioner Keeley Foster said: “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.”

She added: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the brigade are with those impacted by this incident.”

Two terraced houses in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, were involved in the fire. Pic: PA
Image:
Pic: PA

London Ambulance Service said an air ambulance, incident response officers, advanced paramedic and hazardous area response team were deployed to the scene.

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Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in northwest London, said: “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.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a post on X: “This is devastating news and my thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community of the four people who sadly have lost their lives.

“I remain in close contact with the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police as they work to establish the cause of the fire and offer support to all those impacted.”

Dawn Butler, the local Labour MP for Brent East, posted: “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.”

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Southport attack victim’s teachers ‘don’t want her to be forgotten’

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Southport attack victim's teachers 'don't want her to be forgotten'

The teacher of one of the Southport stabbing victims has told Sky News they “don’t want her to be forgotten”, 10 months after the knife attack in which she was murdered.

Seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe was killed along with Bebe King, six, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar in an attack by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last July.

Jennifer Sephton, headteacher of Farnborough Road Infant School, will be skydiving to raise funds for the Elsie’s Story charitable trust, which has been set up in memory of the former pupil.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King were murdered in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed class.
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(L-R) Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King were killed in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed class


“She’d been with us for four years, throughout her education,” Ms Sephton told Sky News, “and we just want everybody to know Elsie’s spirit.”

Describing Elsie as “such a determined young lady,” Ms Sephton said Elsie had “a real zest for life, and a sparkle in her eye all the time.”

She added that Elsie’s Story, which has been set up by Elsie’s family, is about “continuing that legacy.”

Jennifer Sephton
Image:
Jennifer Sephton

In the aftermath of the July 2024 attack, the gates outside Elsie’s school were lined with flowers, balloons, and cards bearing her name.

Since then, memorial benches and a tree have been planted in the school grounds, providing pupils and staff with a place to “remember and reflect”, Ms Sefton says.

“[Elsie’s death] had such an impact on all our community,” the teacher said, “it’s had an impact on her friends, their siblings, our school as a community and our staff.”

Read more:
Southport survivor wants end to use of traditional kitchen knives

Adrian Antell
Image:
Adrian Antell

‘We want her name to live on’

Ms Sephton will be joined in the skydive by Adrian Antell, headteacher at the adjoining junior school where Elsie had been due to start.

“Elsie was due to come to us last September,” he told Sky News, “but what we’ve learned about her is that she had a wonderful impact in the infant school, and we don’t want her to be forgotten.

“We want her name to have to live on and to be thought of in a positive way.”

Mr Antell said they continue to support Elsie’s classmates, who joined the new school without her.

“There’s no instruction manual for this,” he explained, “every day is different, and every day is one step at a time.

“So all we can do as a school is to think about individual children and support them in the best way we can.”

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Scientists embark on crucial study to save Britain’s bees

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Scientists embark on crucial study to save Britain's bees

Scientists from Kew Gardens are using a new study to track which trees bees prefer to try to stem the decline in our vital pollinators.

Bee populations are falling all over the world due to a mixture of habitat loss, climate change, and the use of pesticides, with a devastating impact on our biodiversity and food production.

But it’s feared that not enough comprehensive, global research is being done to understand the issue or find solutions.

Pollination Research Lead, Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee told Sky News “Nearly 90% of our flowering plants depend on the contribution of pollinators, but in the UK the population of flying insects in the last 20 years has decreased by around 60%. 
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The study is building up heat maps of the most popular trees


 

Now, scientists based at Wakehurst in Sussex (Kew’s “Wild Botanic Garden”) have begun placing advanced bioacoustics sensors in some of their trees, to track which ones the bees are more drawn to.
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Non-invasive monitors track the buzz created by bees’ wing beats

UK becoming a no-fly zone

Researchers based at Wakehurst in Sussex, known as Kew’s “Wild Botanic Garden”, have begun placing advanced bio-acoustics sensors in some of their trees to track which ones bees favour.

They hope it’ll help urban planners know which trees to plant in built-up areas, as a way of combating the worrying decline in bee numbers.

Pollination research lead Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee said: “Nearly 90% of our flowering plants depend on the contribution of pollinators, but in the UK the population of flying insects in the last 20 years has decreased by around 60%.

“It’s really hard to be able to put a figure on the decline of our pollinators, but we do know that globally the number is declining.

“And with that comes crop yield instability and the loss of an essential ecosystem service.”

Their new, non-invasive monitors listen for the buzz created by bees’ wing beats, building up heat maps of the most popular spots.

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kew gardens
Kew scientists are using a ‘brand new’ study to track which trees bees prefer - to try and stem the decline in our vital pollinators.
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Bio-acoustics sensors are placed in trees to track which ones the bees are more drawn to

‘We’re facing twin crises’

Dr Griffiths-Lee said: “If you think about the tree’s footprint, it’s very small, but they’re huge 3D structures covered in pollen and nectar, which are essential resources of pollinators.

“So we really wanted to think about which are the best trees for bees for us to plant, and that can inform landscape planners, urban architects.”

Eight different species of tree were chosen for the study, including horse chestnut and lime trees, with a mixture of native and non-native species.

The scientists have also been gathering DNA from pollen, which also helps them to map which plants and flowers the insects prefer.

Wakehurst’s director, Susan Raikes, calls the 535-acre estate a “living laboratory”, and said the project’s all about searching for nature-based solutions to the impacts of climate change.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher, really. We know that we’re facing these twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change,” she added.

“We need to be able to understand, as the climate changes, which plants from warmer climes will be good here in the UK for pollinators in the future.

“If all of our native plants are struggling, then we need to find new sources of pollen – for us all to survive.”

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