Woman arrested on suspicion of child neglect after two sets of twins die in Sutton house fire

A 27-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect after four children, two sets of male twins aged three and four, died in a house fire in south London.

The woman remains in police custody following the incident, with emergency crews called to Collingwood Road in Sutton shortly after 7pm last night (16 December).

Richard Mills said when firefighters arrived at the house, the blaze was "very well-developed" and only the children were inside.

He told reporters at the scene: "I can confirm that they are two sets of twins, ages four and ages three."

Asked if anyone else was in the home, he said: "On arrival there were four children in the house."

He also confirmed the victims were all boys.

On the impact of the incident on fire crews, he said: "It's a very traumatic event.

"They (firefighters) attended a very well-developed fire; they got there in under three minutes.

"Second two machines within seven minutes.

"Entering a building and rescuing life is always a very difficult place to be. The age of the children, the fact they are so young will have a profound impact on them."

Metropolitan Police Superintendent Rob Shepherd said: "The thoughts of everyone at the South Area Command Unit are with the family and friends of these four young children, who have suffered such a devastating and tragic loss tonight.

"I know these sentiments will be shared by the local community, Sutton and London as a whole.

"We remain on scene with our emergency service colleagues and will be working through the night and beyond. At this very early stage the cause of the fire is unknown and will be investigated."

Flowers have been laid at the scene of a house fire in south London in which four children, all believed to be related, died.

The message on one bouquet reads: "To Kyson Bryson Leyton + Logan. Sleep well. Love Grandad".

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.