A third child has been left fighting for their life as police confirm all six people involved in a fire in East Ham are believed to be of the same family.
The update follows news this morning (July 14) that a second child died in hospital overnight, from injuries they sustained in the house fire in Napier Road.
Another child was pronounced dead at the scene inside the terraced property on July 13, after half of both the ground and first floors were damaged in the fire.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed that all six patients are believed to be members of the same family.
Four patients remain in hospital, including a child who is said to be in critical condition.
Two children and two adults remain in hospital. One of the children is said to be fighting for their life. (Image: PublicDomainPictures (pixabay)) A Met spokesperson confirmed they believed this to be the most significant injury aside from the two child fatalities.
They have now launched an investigation into the blaze that saw 40 firefighters and London's Air Ambulance called to the home at 8.32am on July 13.
The Met are working to identify and inform other family members of the incident.
DCI Jonathan Burks said: “I appreciate that local people will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event.
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"We share those sentiments and will do all we can, alongside LFB, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions about this heart-breaking incident.”
Whilst the investigation is in its early stages, the Met has reported there is so far no evidence to indicate suspicious circumstances around the fire.
They are continuing enquiries with the London Fire Brigade.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101 and quote reference 1996/13JUL.
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