Five people die and one missing after house fire in west London

Five people believed to be from the same family have died and one person is unaccounted for after a fire broke out at a house in west London on Sunday night, the London Fire Brigade has said.

The fire started at 10.26pm on 12 November and was under control by 1.25am.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at about 10.30pm to reports of the fire in the building on Channel Close in Hounslow, before the Brigade went inside the home and found a further five people on the first floor. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

One man managed to leave the building before emergency services arrived, before he was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment on his injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Another individual remains unaccounted for.

An estimated 70 firefighters attended the scene, accompanied by 10 fire engines, where the blaze destroyed the ground and first floor and damaged the roof of the house.

Nearby homes were evacuated during the blaze.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe 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.

Fire crews from Heston, Southall, Twickenham, Hayes, Feltham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and there have been no arrests, the force said.

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson said his officers were working to “establish exactly what has happened”, saying he understood there would be a “demand for answers”.

He added: “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who very sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident.”