Barking fatal flat fire: 11-year-old boy dies and two more children in hospital

An 11-year-old boy has died following a fire at a flat in Barking.

A three-roomed flat on the second floor was destroyed by fire in Stern Close in the early hours of this morning (March 7).

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said a child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two adults and two children left the flat before firefighters arrived and were taken to hospital.

Another man was treated at the incident by London Ambulance Service crews.

Police do not initially believe the fire was suspicious.

The brigade was called at 3.25am and the incident was over for firefighters by 5.18am.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Barking, East Ham and surrounding fire stations attended.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the brigade and the Metropolitan Police.

A police spokesperson said: “Sadly an 11-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed

“Four other people, two adults and two children were taken to hospital, none were in a life-threatening condition.

“Police, in consultation with the LFB, are investigating the cause of the fire.

“Enquiries continue, but at this this early stage, the fire does not appear to be suspicious.”