Essex fire: Mother and four children die in suspected arson attack on Harlow home

Oct 15 2012 By Cheryl Mullin

A FOURTH child has died following a suspected arson attack on a house.

Police and firefighters were called to the property in Barn Mead, Harlow, Essex, at about 1am today.

A woman and three of her children were pronounced dead at the scene.

A fourth child died later at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and a fifth remains in a critical condition.

A man has been treated for minor injuries.

Neighbours raised the alarm after being woken in the early hours. They reported seeing flames and smoke billowing from the house.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Rob Vinson said: “This is still the early stages of our investigation into the tragic deaths of five members of one family – a mother and four of her young children.

“At this time we are investigating to see whether this fire was started deliberately and need anyone with information to contact us.”

The force confirmed that a car was also found alight a short distance from the house.

The vehicle was not connected to the family, who are believed to be of Asian origin; however, the car fire is also being treated as arson.