A devastating house fire broke out in the early hours of this morning on Belgrave Avenue in Romford, claiming lives and prompting a dramatic emergency response. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was mobilised just after 5am, following reports of a blaze in the front room of a residential property.

Residents were seen escaping through windows to avoid the fast-spreading flames, as thick plumes of smoke poured from the property. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as emergency crews, including firefighters, police, and paramedics, flooded the area.

Casualties Confirmed

While the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police have not yet released full details, multiple sources confirm that fatalities have occurred. The precise number of victims has not yet been officially disclosed.

A crime scene remains in place, and investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, which is believed to have originated in the ground-floor living room. Authorities are also looking into whether suspicious circumstances may have contributed to the incident.

Residents Escaped Through Windows

According to eyewitnesses, those trapped inside the home were forced to climb through windows before firefighters were able to gain full access. Crews remained on-site for several hours to extinguish the fire, ventilate the building, and conduct a full search of the premises.

“We saw people climbing out of the window and screaming. The fire was coming from the front room and it was intense,” said a local resident.

Belgrave Avenue Closed, Public Urged to Check Alarms

Belgrave Avenue has been closed off to traffic as emergency services continue their work.

Appeal for Information

The Met Police and London Fire Brigade are appealing to anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward as investigations continue.