Seven Rescued From Ealing Tower Block Fire

Police appeal for witnesses to suspected arson

Five children and two adults were rescued from a fire in a tower block at Gurnell Grove, Ealing, on 13th November.

The fire, in a lift, lobby and bin room, filled the building with heavy smoke and another 40 residents were evacuated from the ten-storey block. Four children and six adults were taken to hospital by ambulance crews.

The Fire Brigade was called at 10.08pm. Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze, which was under control by 10.58pm.

Police believe the fire was started deliberately in the hallway on the third floor and is being treated as Arson. The fire damaged a large part of the hallway on the 3rd floor.

"We are keeping an open mind in regards to a motive and must stress that this type of incident is very rare on Ealing Borough," said an Ealing Police spokesperson.

Detective Inspector Mick Gornall, Ealing Borough CID said, "This was an extremely reckless act which could have had tragic consequences and we would appeal to the local community to help us find those responsible.

The residents’ trapped inside the building at the time of the attack are very lucky not to have suffered more serious injury."

November 16, 2007