Tragic Arson at East London Party: Teen Girl Dies, Five Injured
A brutal arson attack on a party in a Beckton block of flats has claimed the life of 14-year-old Tiffany Regis and left five friends injured. Witnesses say petrol was poured through the letterbox to start the blaze, sparking chaos and panic as people jumped from burning windows.
16-Year-Old Boy Questioned and Released on Bail
Police arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder in connection with the fire but released him on bail while investigations continue. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the fire is being treated as arson.
The incident unfolded just after 5 p.m. on Thursday at a second-floor flat on Tollgate Road, E6. Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of the fire spreading rapidly through the block.
Neighbours Describe Terrifying Scenes
“It was chaos. The screams were piercing,” said one neighbour. “I heard cries for help and saw someone jump from the third floor. Someone poured petrol through the letterbox to start it. It’s terrifying.”
The injured were treated at hospital and later released with non-life-threatening wounds. Sadly, Tiffany was declared dead at the scene.
Community in Shock, Police Urge Anyone with Information to Come Forward
Tiffany’s friends described her as a warm, talented young girl dreaming of a career as a make-up artist. “We’re heartbroken,” they said. “Tiffany made the world a better place. Our hearts have been shattered.”
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick of the North East Command Unit said: “My thoughts at this time are with the victim and their family and friends. Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities.” He added that officers would be patrolling the area over the Easter weekend to support locals.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command appealed: “We are at the very early stages of our investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward. We understand the impact this has on the community.”
Those with information should call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference 5315/6APR.
