Dad of four 'caring' boys killed in London house fire says family is 'utterly devastated'

18 December 2021, 07:58 | Updated: 18 December 2021, 16:48

The devastated father of two sets of "bright and caring" twins killed in a house fire in south London has paid tribute to his "loveable" sons.

Kyson and Bryson aged 4, and Leyton and Logan, aged 3, died in the devastating blaze in Sutton on Thursday evening.

More than 60 firefighters attempted to put out the blaze which tore through the terraced home in Collingwood Road, Sutton, South London, shortly after 7pm.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, who arrived at the scene within minutes, all four boys were tragically pronounced dead.

Read more: Woman, 27, arrested after two sets of ‘amazing, smart’ twins die in fire at London home

Met Police make statement on Sutton fire in south London

A woman, aged 27, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and bailed on Saturday.

She will return to a south London police station in mid-January, the Metropolitan Police said.

Dalton Hoath, the boys' father, said his family are "utterly devastated" by the death of the "bright, caring, loving" toddlers.

In a statement, which was given to the MailOnline, Mr Hoath said: "Myself and my family are utterly devastated by this tragic loss.

"They were bright, caring, loveable boys, but most of all Sons, Brothers, Grandsons, Great Grandsons, Nephews and Cousins.

"We would like to thank all the emergency services who did so much to try and save our boys, and also the local community who have come together at this difficult time.

"I would ask that my family are given time to grieve in private.

"They will be forever in my heart and thoughts, love Dad."

The boys' grandfather Jason Hoath posted online: "I am devastated to say that the horrendous house fire that took place in Sutton last night leading to four children loosing there life’s were my amazing smart and beautiful grandsons.

"We’re taken too soon they will always be in our hearts and thoughts. Boys I love you forever. Grandad xxx"

An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire which swept across the house, taking one-and-a-half hours to be brought under control, with eight fire engines and 60 firefighters having attended.

Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills said when firefighters arrived at the house the blaze was "very well-developed" and only the children were inside.

Read more: Pressure piles on PM as Simon Case quits No10 Xmas party probe after 'event in his office'

He told reporters at the scene on Friday morning: "I can confirm that they are two sets of twins, ages four and ages three."

Asked if anyone else was in the home, he said: "On arrival there were four children in the house."

London Fire Brigade commissioner Andy Roe said the deaths have "left everyone numb with profound sadness".

Read more: 'Another family is grieving before Christmas': Murder probe after London stabbing

Two sets of twins die in London house

Commissioner Mr Roe said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the children, the whole local community and all those who will be affected by this fire.

"Fire crews arrived quickly and located the children inside the property. They were brought out of the house and given immediate emergency care."

Mr Roe added all crew members on the scene will be "offered counselling as a priority".