Murder investigation launched into deaths of mother and five children in Essex house fire (VIDEO)

Nov 22 2012 By Cheryl Mullin

”Dr Shakoor discovered the fire at his home and battled hard to save his family, suffering the effects of the dense smoke and also minor burns as he tried to get them out.

"At the same time as fire crews were tackling the blaze, a Ford Focus car was alight in a parking area nearby.

Dr Shakoor’s laptop bag which contained a two-pin lead was originally found in a hedge along the footpath between St Michael’s Close and Whitewaits, Harlow by two teenagers, then abandoned in Whitewaits by some garages.The family laptop, a Toshiba Satellite, is missing.

He asked anyone who was in Barn Mead on the early morning of the fire to contact police. “We need to find a group of four young men, 16-19, possibly wearing tracksuits and baseball hats, one significantly taller than the others.

"Additionally we need to speak to two teenagers on bikes. Anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire or has any information about who was there must contact us.”

He added: “The car that was discovered alight on the same morning belonged to a neighbour and was parked around 20 metres away from the Shakoor home. Do you have any information about this car fire?”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Operation Shakespeare investigation team on 01277 266869 or 0800 056 0944 or on scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.