Hounslow fire: Community pays tribute to 'beautiful souls'

Aroen Kishen and his wife Seema lived in the property on Channel Close with their children

Three children killed in a house fire in London have been called "beautiful souls" in tributes from the community.

Aroen Kishen and his wife Seema lived in the house in Hounslow with their three children, neighbours said.

It is believed Mr Kishen is in hospital but his wife and children, Riyan, Shanaya and Arohi, died in the blaze.

Another adult died and a sixth person remains missing. An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.

'Human tragedy'

The BBC understands that two unnamed adults were visiting the family for Diwali, a festival marked by observants of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths.

London Fire Brigade's (LFB) deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith told City Hall on Tuesday that it was "a human tragedy" and "one of the most significant fires the LFB has faced in terms of the numbers of people who were trapped".

Flowers and messages were laid near the scene, naming the children

He added that crews remained in the area to answer any concerns and questions the community had.

A letter sent to parents from Westbrook Primary School said that formal identification of the bodies had not yet taken place.

It added that pupils were being cared for and supported by the school.

The letter ended with a tribute stating: "Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family. Forever in our hearts, from all who knew and loved you."

Bunches of flowers have been placed near the house, including one with a note from classmates saying they were "all crying today and missing you".

A tribute from a Mrs Sheldon said: "Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow at hearing the loss of three beautiful souls.

"Forever in our hearts! Good night and God bless."

Another tribute left at the scene from "Year 6" read: "I am so sorry that this has happened to you.

"You are still part of our family.

"We will never forget you, and you will always be in our hearts. May God grant you eternal life in heaven."

Forensic teams and fire investigators were seen on Tuesday investigating the scene of the fire

Hounslow Council's leader Shantanu Rajawat said nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution and residents "were moved into hotels and the council is working with them very, very closely".

"It will take some time to get into the property, make sure it's safe to be able to work in it, so the investigations can happen," Mr Rajawat told BBC Radio London.

He added it would be important for fire and police investigations to progress, and "to make sure the neighbouring properties are safe for habitation, before we let people in".

Investigators are keeping an "open mind" on the cause of the fire, the LFB has said

Emergency services were called at 22:30 GMT on Sunday and roughly 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines attended. The fire was under control by 01:25.

The bodies of the five family members were found on the first floor of the terraced house by fire crews.

On Monday, LFB and the Met said they were keeping an "open mind" over the cause. The Met is leading the investigation and no arrests have been made.

Mr Smith said it was too early to know whether fireworks or candles for recent Diwali celebrations were a factor.

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