13 Years On, Essex Police Reignite Hunt for Truth in Tragic Harlow Fire
Essex Police have launched a fresh appeal as the 13th anniversary of the devastating 2012 Harlow blaze approaches. The terrifying fire claimed six lives from one family, leaving only Dr Abdul Shakoor as the sole survivor.
Dr Shakoor’s Heartbreaking Plea: “I Just Want 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 fatal fire tore through the family’s terraced home in Barn Mead at 1.40am on October 15, 2012. Dr Shakoor survived by leaping from an upstairs window, but tragically lost his wife Sabah Usmani, 44, and five children aged six to twelve.
Operation Shakespeare: 13 Years of a Cold Case Murder Probe
Operation Shakespeare, the murder investigation into the blaze, has dragged on for over a decade. More than 70 officers have worked on the case, sifting through around 500 witness statements and nearly 2,000 pieces of evidence — yet no arrests have been made.
Now, Essex Police are widening their net. They want to reach anyone with new leads, even those who have since left the county or changed jobs.
Police Hunt Crucial Witnesses and Missing Items
- A white male, late teens or early 20s, spotted on a bicycle near the house and car when the fire started – potentially the key witness.
- The family’s black Toshiba Satellite laptop, stolen in a burglary and never recovered. It had a rare two-pin power lead bought in Saudi Arabia.
- Items including a laptop bag and power 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 – possibly taken from another home. Police want to hear from anyone who reported a missing shaver plug at the time.
- Details about a silver Ford Focus, set ablaze at the same time as the house.
In November 2012, someone phoned Harlow police from a phone box and left a mysterious message about the fire. Police desperately want to track down that caller. The same month, a piece of paper connected to the investigation was found on a shelf in Boots, Harlow. Authorities want to know who left it there.
Can You Help Solve This Heartbreaking Case?
Detectives are pleading for anyone with information to come forward — every tip could be the key to justice for Dr Shakoor and his lost family.
If you know anything, contact Essex Police on 101. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.
