Beckton fire: Tiffany Regis named as teenager who died in fire

A young schoolgirl who died in an east London flat fire has been named by police for the first time.

Tiffany Regis, aged 15, died after a blaze ripped through the block of flats she lived in in Beckton, Newham. The cause of death was smoke inhalation.

The fire broke out in the late afternoon on April 6, with the Met Police called at around 5.30pm.

A post-mortem examination was held and formal identification took place at East Ham Mortuary on the evening of April 8. Police said the identification was not conclusive, but they believe that Tiffany Regis died in the fire.

A Met Police spokesperson said Tiffany’s family have been notified and are being supported.

A number of other residents in the flat were injured, though none had life-threatening injuries.

The fire is being treated as arson and an investigation has been launched. A 16-year-old male was arrested on April 6 on suspicion of murder. He was released on bail until a date in early May, pending further enquiries.

Met Police investigation

Det Ch Insp Joanna Yorke, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “My team continues to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fire last Thursday.

“I know that there were a number of young people and residents inside the address before the fire happened and our enquiries are ongoing to identify everyone who was there, not least of all to ensure that everyone is okay.

“We are at the very early stages of our investigation and are still keen to hear from anyone who was present or has any information but has not yet spoken with police. Please get in touch.”

‘Unimaginable pain’

Ch Supt Simon Crick, who leads the North East Command Unit, said: "My thoughts at this time are with Tiffany and her family and friends. Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities and I don’t underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.

"Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns."

The mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, added: “Tiffany’s parents are going through unimaginable pain at the loss of their much loved 15-year-old daughter who brought so much joy. I am deeply upset by this tragic loss of a young life, as is everyone in Newham.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Tiffany’s parents, family and friends at this very difficult and heart-breaking time. I am urging anyone with any information to contact the police incident room.

"Our priority is to support Tiffany’s parents grieving the loss of their child; and all those young people who have lost a dear friend.”

Witnesses

Anyone with information is being asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3865, via 101 or Tweet @MetCC, quoting the reference CAD 5315/06Apr.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.