Police have said they are now investigating the death of a five-year-old boy in the aftermath of a house fire in Greenwich yesterday (Saturday, March 6).
As News Shopper reported previously, a woman and two children were rescued by firefighters from London Fire Brigade (LFB) after the fire broke out on Russett Way, SE13, in the moments before 6am on Saturday.
All three people inside, a 34-year-old woman and two boys aged five and 14, sustained injuries in the fire and were rushed to south London hospitals.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services and hospital staff, the five-year-old boy sadly died shortly before 8am.
A child has sadly died following a flat fire in #Greenwich. A woman & a further child have been taken to hospital. Our thoughts are with all those affected https://t.co/4t3lXvzW4i pic.twitter.com/gobGyjxPjg
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) March 6, 2021
The 34-year-old woman and the 14-year-old boy remain in hospital in a serious condition.
On Saturday evening, the Met said that their detectives and crime scene examiners were now working closely with the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire.
The family of those involved have meanwhile been informed and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith, who is leading the investigation, said he was "keeping an open mind" about the cause of the fire as he appealed to the public for information.
"A child has lost his life in extremely tragic circumstances.
"At this stage, I am keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire. I urge anyone with information to come forward," he said.
Anyone who knows anything that could help detectives should call the incident room on 0208 345 3985 with the reference Operation Tampere or CAD1321/06MAR.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.
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