Tragic Fire Claims Life of 88-Year-Old Romford Woman
Detectives have named the victim in a deadly fire on Queens Park Road, Romford. Mrs Josephine Smith, 88, was found dead at the scene after flames tore through her home on the night of Thursday, 28 October.
Fire Brigade Called, Three Teens Arrested
The London Fire Brigade alerted police at 10.17pm. Officers and ambulance crews rushed to the address, but sadly Mrs Smith was pronounced dead inside. A post-mortem confirmed smoke inhalation as the cause of death.
Investigators recovered a firework at the scene, but the exact cause of the blaze remains unclear. On 30 October, three teenagers — a boy and a girl in their late teens, and a boy in his mid-teens — were arrested on suspicion of murder. All have been released on bail until late November.
Police Appeal for Information
“This is a very sad case and we are supporting Mrs Smith’s family and keeping them fully updated on the current status of our inquiry,” said Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley.
“We are looking into all the circumstances of this fire. Speculation before we know all the facts is unhelpful. We await forensic results and other investigations, so if anyone has information, please contact us immediately.”
Witnesses or anyone with info should call the incident room on 020 8358 1010, phone 101, or message @MetCC. Quote reference: CAD 8170/28OCT.
