Boy, 11, dies after blaze breaks out in flat in east London

Two other children were hospitalised.

An 11-year-old boy died in the early hours of this morning after a fire broke out at a flat in east London.

Four other people, two adults and two children, managed to escape the building on Stern Close in Barking.

But the boy sadly did not survive and was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

Firefighters were called at about 3.25am, and it took them nearly two hours to put out the flames.

Those who managed to escape the blaze were rushed to hospital. None were in a life threatening condition.

A man was also treated at the scene by paramedics. All together, nine properties have been affected by the fire.

Leader of Barking and Dagenham council, Darren Rodwell, said in a statement that his ‘thoughts and prayers are with the family’ of the victim.

He added: ‘We are saddened by the events that took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

‘We are aware that some residents have lost everything including their homes and possessions.

‘We would like to thank members of the London Fire Brigade, other emergency services and council staff for their support in very difficult circumstances.

‘Nine properties have been affected by the fire, affecting a number of families. As a council, we have a duty of care to our residents and have supported a number of people, providing accommodation where it is needed and are providing ongoing help to the families in a number of ways.

‘Sadly, we have since been informed that a resident tragically lost their life in the fire.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they try to process what has happened.’

Six fire engines and some 40 firefighters from Barking, East Ham and surrounding stations were in attendance on Stern Close.

The three-bed flat was left fully destroyed by the blaze, the cause of which is now under investigation by the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police Service.

Metro.co.uk has contacted the Metropolitan Police for a comment.

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