Schoolgirl’s family in ‘unimaginable pain’ after she was killed in ‘arson attack’

Tiffany Regis, 15, died in an apartment building fire in Newham earlier this week (Picture: Met Police/PA)

Police have identified the young victim of a fire, as her family bears the ‘unimaginable pain’ of her death.

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that Tiffany Regis, 15, died from smoke inhalation in the fire at a block of flats on Tollgate Road, Newham.

They noted that the formal identification process was not conclusive, but said they believe it is the teenager.

The fatal blaze on Thursday is being treated as arson, with an investigation by the Specialist Crime Command launched.

Police say the cause of death was smoke inhalation (Picture: Met Police)

Officers have arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. 

Tiffany’s family and friends are completely devastated by the tragedy, the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, has said.

‘Tiffany’s parents are going through unimaginable pain at the loss of their much loved 15-year-old daughter who brought so much joy’, she said in a statement.

‘I am deeply upset by this tragic loss of a young life, as is everyone in Newham. 

‘My thoughts and prayers are with Tiffany’s parents, family and friends at this very difficult and heartbreaking time. 

‘I am urging anyone with any information to contact the police incident room.

‘Our priority is to support Tiffany’s parents grieving the loss of their child; and all those young people who have lost a dear friend.’

A number of people were hurt during the blaze (Picture: Met Police/PA)

Chief Superintendent Simon Crick added: ‘My thoughts and prayers at this time are with Tiffany and her family and friends. 

‘Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities and I don’t underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.

‘Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter Weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns.’

Safety cordons remain at the site of the fire as police continue investigating. 

A number of other people at the address were also hurt by the fire, though these injuries are not understood to be life-threatening. 

The 16-year-old who was arrested has since been released on bail. He will return in early May pending the outcome of further inquiries.

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