Police launch investigation after Hounslow house inferno kills family of five when blaze rips through two floors of a terraced house in west London

Police have launched an investigation after five people died following a catastrophic house fire in Hounslow last night with one further person still unaccounted for. 

The enormous inferno ripped through the property on West London’s Channel Close with only one man managing to leave the home before the fire brigade arrived. 

He was was rushed to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  and one person still remains unaccounted for.

Once firefighters managed to enter the property, they found a further five people on the first floor of the home, who were pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 70 firefighters and ten fire engines were present at the inferno. 

It is not currently clear what caused the fire and police say it is thought all five victims were from the same family. 

Five people have died following a catastrophic house fire in Hounslow last night with one further person still unaccounted for

The enormous inferno ripped through the property on West London ‘s Channel Close with only one man managing to leave the home before the fire brigade arrived

It is not currently clear what caused the fire and the London Fire Brigade has said they are investigating

The ground floor and first floors of a mid-terraced house were destroyed by fire and part of the roof was also damaged by the blaze.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe has offered his condolences.

He said: ‘This is a terribly sad incident and the thoughts of all of us at London Fire Brigade are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time.

‘Staff will be in the local community today to offer support and advice where needed.

‘The London Fire Brigade was called at 10.26pm and the fire was under control by 1.25am. Fire crews from Heston, Southall, Twickenham, Hayes, Feltham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

‘The cause of the fire is under investigation.’

The London Ambulance Service also dispatched five ambulances, two officers, a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and the London Air Ambulance to provide medical assistance. 

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, responsible for policing in Hounslow, said: ‘My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who very sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident.

‘I don’t underestimate the impact that this will have on the wider community and beyond. I understand that there will be a demand for answers and my officers are working to establish exactly what has happened.’

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