Essex Police have launched a fresh appeal as the 13th anniversary of a devastating blaze approaches. The 2012 fire in Harlow claimed six lives from one family, leaving only Dr Abdul Shakoor as the sole survivor.
Dr Shakoor’s Haunting Plea for Answers
“I just want answers. I just want to know why and for the wait to end. It’s never something that leaves your mind, it’s the first thing I think about when I wake up. That night still haunts me and it always will. You just feel so helpless.”
– Dr Abdul Shakoor
The fire tore through the family’s terraced home in Barn Mead at 1.40am on October 15, 2012. Dr Shakoor escaped by jumping from an upstairs window but tragically lost his wife Sabah Usmani, 44, and five children aged six to twelve.
Operation Shakespeare: Cold Case Murder Investigation
Operation Shakespeare, the murder investigation into the fire, has been active for 13 years, with more than 70 officers involved. About 500 witness statements and nearly 2,000 items of evidence have been examined, but no arrests have been made.
Essex Police are expanding their appeal beyond the county, hoping to reach anyone with new information who may have moved away or now works elsewhere.
Police Seek Crucial Witnesses and Missing Items
- A white man, late teens or early 20s, seen on a bicycle near the house and car when the fire started – possibly a key witness.
- The family’s black Toshiba Satellite laptop, stolen in a burglary and never recovered. It featured a rare two-pin power lead bought in Saudi Arabia.
- Items including a laptop bag and lead found dumped near Whitewaits and St Michael’s Close.
- A shaver adapter plug attached to the laptop lead, which did not belong to the family, suggesting it was taken from another home. Police want to know if anyone reported a missing shaver plug at the time.
- Details about the silver Ford Focus car set alight simultaneously with the house.
In November 2012, someone called Harlow police from a phone box and left a message about the fire. Police want to speak to that person. The same month, a piece of paper related to the investigation was found on a shelf at Boots in Harlow. Authorities want to know who left it.
Help Crack This Heartbreaking Case
Detectives continue urging anyone with information to come forward. They say every clue could bring them closer to justice for Dr Shakoor and his lost family.
If you know anything, contact Essex Police on 101. To report anonymously, reach out to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit their website.
