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This is the first image of Fabian Henry, the 12-year-old schoolboy who tragically died in a devastating fire that tore through a block of flats in Orchard Gardens, Lewisham in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called just before midnight. Ten fire engines, police, and paramedics rushed to the scene as flames rapidly engulfed the building. The blaze, described by witnesses as spreading “like a tinderbox,” left one maisonette completely destroyed, with other parts of the block also severely damaged.
Fabian, a pupil at St John Roan School, sadly perished in the fire. His mother reportedly jumped from a window to escape the flames and was heard screaming, “My boy, my boy, please help my boy,” as the fire ravaged their home.
Family and friends gathered at the scene today to lay flowers and tributes in his memory. His aunt, Suezette, spoke of a kind and bright young boy with big dreams.
“He was a big Manchester United fan,” she said. “His father died from cancer. He was lovely, and the family wanted him to be a doctor. He was very good at football. We are all heartbroken.”
Fabian’s former PE teacher, who came to pay respects, said:
“He had a great heart. He was always the captain, always up for everything. He was a talented footballer – he could play any position. I taught him for seven years in primary. He would still run up to me for a hug and tell me about scoring a goal. I wish all kids were like him.”
The father of Fabian’s best friend, who had seen him just hours before on a school trip, shared his son’s devastation:
“They were supposed to meet up to play football today. He only just found out on the way to school and came straight home. He’s gutted. He’s lost his best friend.”
Fire and Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police have taken the lead in the investigation, working alongside London Fire Brigade investigators to determine the cause. Officers remain on guard outside the cordoned-off scene.
Eyewitness Ernie Anderson, 67, described the horrific moment the fire broke out:
“I heard a massive bang. It went up like a tinderbox. I could hear screaming – it sounded like a boy screaming for help. The firefighters were on the balcony, and the police arrived quickly.”
Some residents have speculated about possible firework activity in the area overnight, although this remains unconfirmed.
Firefighters remained at the scene throughout Wednesday, using thermal imaging equipment to search the wreckage. A blue tarpaulin now covers the gutted flat’s windows.
Official Statement from London Fire Brigade
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said:
“Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters tackled a fire at a block of maisonettes on Lewisham Road, Lewisham.
A maisonette split between the ground and first floors was destroyed by the fire. Part of another maisonette on the second and third floors was damaged, as was a section of the external building fascia.
One woman was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service. Three other people left the building before crews arrived.
The Brigade’s Drone Team was deployed to provide an aerial view of the fire. Control Officers took the first of 14 calls at 23:55 and mobilised crews from Greenwich, Lewisham, Lee Green, and surrounding stations. The fire was under control by 02:02.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
