Detectives and London Fire Brigade are investigating after the bodies of five people were recovered following a house fire in Hounslow.

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, responsible for policing in Hounslow, said: “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who very sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident. I don’t underestimate the impact that this will have on the wider community and beyond. I understand that there will be a demand for answers and my officers are working to establish exactly what has happened.”

Police were called at about 22:30hrs on Sunday, 13 November to reports of a fire at a residential address in Channel Close, Hounslow, TW5. Officers attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service (LAS).

The bodies of five people were found inside the property and a sixth person is currently unaccounted for. It is believed that all five are members of the same family.

One man left the house prior to the arrival of emergency services. He was taken to hospital by LAS. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing. At this early stage in the investigation there have been no arrests.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 and give reference 6845/12NOV.