Harlow fatal fire: Investigation to be featured on BBC Crimewatch tonight, Wednesday 21 November
Operation Shakespeare, the investigation into the deaths
of six members of the Shakoor family, is to be featured on BBC TV
Crimewatch.
Senior Investigating Officer Rob Vinson will be appealing to the
public via BBC Crimewatch tonight, Wednesday, for information to
help find the solution to how and why the fatal fire in Barn Mead,
Harlow happened.
Dr Abdul Shakoor was the only survivor of the fierce fire that
started in the lounge of the family home in the early hours of
October 15, 2012. His wife, 44 year-old Dr Sabah Usmani, daughter
Hira, 12, and sons Muneeb, 9 and six-year old Rayyan sadly died at
the scene. Another son, 11 year old Sohaib, died a short time after
arrival at hospital.
Three year old Maheen was taken with her father to hospital. He
was suffering smoke inhalation and burns after he battled to save
his family. She was later transferred to the specialist burns unit
at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford were sadly she died a few days
before her fourth birthday.
Detectives now know that there was a burglary at the house on
the evening/morning of the fire and will be appealing for anyone
who was in the area at the time to come forward.
Det Supt Vinson will also appeal for information about the
family’s laptop – a black Toshiba Satellite that is missing and
about the laptop bag and two pin lead that were found abandoned in
the Whitewaits area of Harlow 11-days later.
A further appeal is for information about the arson of a
neighbour’s Ford Focus car that was found alight 20 metres away by
the firefighters arriving to tackle the house fire.
Anyone with any information should contact the Operation
Shakespeare investigation team on 01277 266869, or via
Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously on 0800
555 111, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to £10,000.
