UK

Beckton fire: Girl, 15, who died in blaze at block of flats is named as Tiffany Regis

Beckton fire: Girl, 15, who died in blaze at block of flats is named as Tiffany Regis

A 15-year-old girl who was killed in a fire at an east London block of flats has been named by police as Tiffany Regis.

Officers are treating the blaze in Beckton, Newham, last Thursday as arson.

Five other people at the address were injured and they have now been released from hospital.

Tiffany’s cause of death was smoke inhalation, according to a post-mortem.

Image:
The block of flats where the blaze happened

The Metropolitan Police said that while formal identification was not conclusive, they believe it was Tiffany who died.

The girl’s family has been notified and they are being supported by specialist officers.

Police were called at about 5.28pm on Thursday to the fire in Tollgate Road.

They are continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “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.”

The scene on Tollgate Road in Beckton, Newham after a fire at a block of flats. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after one person, believed to be a woman, died in the blaze. Picture date: Friday April 7, 2023.
Image:
Police at the scene in Beckton

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, who leads the North East Command Unit, said that his thoughts were with Tiffany and her family and friends.

He added: “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.”

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder following the blaze.

He was later bailed pending further inquiries.