Tragic Arson at East London Flat – Teen Girl Dies, Friends Injured
Petrol poured through letterbox sparks deadly blaze
A 14-year-old girl lost her life, and five friends were hurt after an arson attack at a party in a Beckton block of flats. Witnesses say petrol was poured through the flat’s letterbox, igniting a brutal fire. Flames poured from the windows as terrified partygoers fled, with some forced to jump from upper floors to escape the inferno.
16-year-old boy questioned and released on bail
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been bailed pending further inquiries. Police continue to treat the blaze as deliberate arson while conducting a painstaking investigation.
Eyewitness chaos and heartbreak
“It was chaos,” said one neighbour. “The screams were piercing. I heard cries for help and saw someone jump from the third floor. Someone poured petrol through the letterbox to start it – it was terrifying.”
Tiffany Regis, the victim, was reportedly hosting the party from her second-floor flat when tragedy struck. Despite emergency services responding quickly, Tiffany was declared dead at the scene. Fortunately, the five injured friends suffered non-life-threatening injuries and have been released from hospital.
Police urge community to come forward
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “We are at the early stages of our investigation and want to hear from anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken to police. We understand the impact this incident has had on the area and urge locals with concerns to contact officers.”
She added: “Our thoughts are with the family of the victim.”
Ongoing investigation and safety measures
The post-mortem and formal identification will take place on the evening of Saturday, 8 April. Police have put up scene and safety cordons around the block and continue their enquiries.
If you have any information, contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 5315/6APR.
