Harlow fire deaths: Police 'desperate' for clues over family of six

Sabah Usmani and her five children died in the fire at their home on 15 October, 2012

An investigation into a fire which killed six members of a family has been "one of the most difficult and challenging", Essex Police has said.

Three years after Sabah Usmani and her five children died in the blaze in Barn Mead, Harlow, the force has renewed its appeal for information.

Dr Usmani's husband, Abdul Shakoor, was the only survivor.

A force spokesman said "the answer to this case lies within the community of Harlow".

Dr Usmani and her children Hira, 12, Sohaib, 11, Muneeb, nine, Rayyan, six and three-year-old Maheen Shakoor died on 15 October 2012 as a result of the fire which swept through the ground floor of their terraced home in the early hours.

The lounge of the Shakoor family home after the fire

The blaze, which experts have said may have reached temperatures of 800C, sent thick, choking smoke through the premises.

Dr Shakoor leapt from an upstairs window in an attempt to get help, but he was unable to save his family.

'Active investigation'

At an inquest last year, coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded an open verdict.

Chelmsford Coroner's Court heard all the evidence pointed towards murder, but firefighters could not rule out an accidental cause.

Abdul Shakoor leapt from an upstairs window in a bid to get help for his

Essex Police said three years on it was "desperate" to find some answers for Dr Shakoor.

Det Supt Rob Vinson said it was "still an active investigation" and it was "determined to do everything we can" to find the perpetrator.

"We have said right from the start that the answer to this case lies within the community of Harlow," he said.

"I would urge anybody who knows anything to come forward.

"Please don't hold anything back as even a small piece of information could help us unlock the answers and find the person or persons responsible.

"It's affected the whole community in Harlow and local people are still coming to terms with what happened."