Woman and three boys die in Brent house fire

Four people, a 43-year-old woman and three boys, aged 15, eight and four, have been killed in a house fire in Brent, north-west London.

The emergency services were called to the blaze in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, at about 01:20 BST.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the fire and remains in custody, the Met Police said.

A further two people were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service, the Met said. Their conditions have not been disclosed.

Supt Steve Allen, from the force's local policing team in north-west London, said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with everyone involved... we continue to work alongside investigators from the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire."

Emergency services will remain in Tillett Close throughout the day as inquiries continue, it added.

Leader of Brent Council Muhammed Butt said in a statement: "Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this horrific incident.

"The council has set up a rest centre nearby and a dedicated team has been looking after families who needed to be evacuated. We will continue to support those affected.

"We are working closely with the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police as they conduct their investigations into the cause of the fire, and will continue to offer them our full support and assistance."