A mother and her three young children who tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire in North-West London have been officially named by the Metropolitan Police.
Nusrat Usman, 43, along with her daughter Maryam Mikaiel, 15, and sons Musa Usman, eight, and Raees Usman, four, died after flames engulfed their home in Stonebridge, Brent, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A 13-year-old girl, believed to be a family member, remains in critical condition in the hospital. Meanwhile, an elderly woman in her 70s, who was also present at the scene, has been discharged following treatment.
A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on bail and detained under the Mental Health Act.
The fire broke out at a residential address in Tillett Close around 1:20am on Saturday. Police and London Fire Brigade (LFB) units responded swiftly. Despite their efforts, the fire left two adjoining three-storey terraced homes completely gutted.
Around 70 firefighters and eight fire engines from stations including Wembley, Park Royal, and Willesden battled the blaze through the night.
Flowers and teddy bears now line the pavement outside the charred remains of the homes—a quiet tribute from a grieving community.
Superintendent Steve Allen from the local policing team confirmed that family members are being supported by specialist officers.
“Our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened. Local officers are working closely with officers from the Specialist Crime Command on what continues to be a very complex investigation,” he said.
In the coming days, extra police patrols will be visible in the area as part of the community reassurance efforts.
According to the London Fire Brigade, a woman and a child were rescued from the second floor but were tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional children were later found inside and also confirmed dead.
Keeley Foster, Assistant Commissioner at the LFB, described the scene as “extremely tragic” and said crews had arrived to find a “well-developed fire.”
She confirmed that the fire brigade would be working closely with police to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Neighbours have shared their heartbreak and disbelief. One resident, who said the family had moved to the UK from Pakistan more than two decades ago, recalled hearing smashing glass and screams before seeing the building alight.
Mohamed Labidi, a 38-year-old teacher and resident of Tillett Close, described the victims as “really good people.” Another neighbour, visibly shaken, said she felt “numb” and “stunned by the devastation.”
Condolences have poured in from local and city leaders. The leader of Brent Council, the local MP, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have all expressed sorrow over the tragic loss.
This incident has shaken the Stonebridge community to its core. An investigation is ongoing as authorities try to piece together how such a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded.
