Tributes to girl, 14, killed in east London fire as boy, 16, arrested on suspicion of murder

A 14-year-old girl was killed in a fire at a block of flats in east London on Thursday as police arrest a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.

The Metropolitan Police have now launched a murder probe in Newham after the teenager, named locally as Tiffany, died in the blaze.

London Fire Brigade were called to the fire at a block of flats in Beckton, east London, at around 5.28pm on Thursday.

Five others were taken to hospital following the blaze on Tollgate Road in Beckton. Their injuries are not life-threatening and they have since been discharged from hospital.

London Fire Brigade confirmed a person had died after being found in a second-floor flat - now this has been confirmed as a 14-year-old girl.

Teenagers have been laying floral tributes at the scene of the fire throughout the day.

One 14-year-old girl, who arrived at the scene with her mother to lay flowers, said she was in the same year nine class as the victim.

Two girls were seen hugging and crying as they placed flowers on the pavement outside the block of flats earlier on Friday.

A card left at the scene said “Tiffany we love you”, and message inside read: “So sorry for your loss.

"We are praying and thinking of you at this difficult time. We are always here for you no matter what.”

A man who said he was a family friend, who gave his name only as Godfrey, 30, said: “She (Tiffany) was an angel, I’ve even got videos of her from when she young. She spent some time with my little nephews. Those memories with her I will never forget.”

Rahina Begum, who lives opposite the flats, described how the fire “went up very quickly, within a few seconds”.

“In 10 to 15 seconds the whole building was on fire, from the bottom to the top. The flames were so high. Somebody dying is so sad.”

A second neighbour, who also lives opposite the block of flats and did not wish to be named, described seeing people jump from the building to try to escape the flames.

He said: “People were jumping from the windows. There were people helping them. All the people were telling them to jump to try and help them.”

The Metropolitan Police have sealed off a section of Tollgate Road and fire engines remain at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick said: "My thoughts at this time are with the victim and their family and friends.

"Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities and I don’t underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.

"Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter Weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns."

The fire is being treated as arson.

Police have arrested a boy, 16, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “We are at the very early stages of our investigation and are still keen to hear from anyone who has information but has not yet spoken with police.

“I understand the effect an incident of this kind will have on the local community and I reiterate Chief Superintendent Crick’s advice that anyone with concerns should speak with local officers.

"I would like to thank residents in the immediate area for their cooperation while my team conduct their enquiries. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim.”

London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for Newham, Richard Arnold, said: “We would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the teenage girl who died at the scene of the fire yesterday evening.

“Throughout the day today our crews will be in the local community to offer support and advice to those affected by this fire.

“This was a very tragic incident and our crews who attended the scene are receiving support from our counselling and trauma service.”

The mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident and offered “our deepest condolences to loved ones now in mourning”.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5315/6APR.

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…