Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Twelve-year-old Fabian Henry has died after a fire tore through his family’s maisonette in Lewisham, southeast London
Fabian was pronounced dead at the scene early Wednesday
morning. His former teacher described him as “a pleasure to teach,” adding that
he loved football and captained his school team.
A woman, 54, was taken to hospital with injuries that are
not believed to be life-threatening. Three others managed to escape before
firefighters arrived. One neighbour described seeing someone jump from a
second-floor window into the communal garden below to escape the flames.
Witnesses reported hearing Fabian’s mother crying, “My boy,
my boy, please help my boy,” as around 70 firefighters worked to bring the
blaze under control just after midnight.
This is the second tragedy to hit the family after Fabian’s
father died of cancer. Fabian’s aunt, Suezette Edwards, said: “We are all
heartbroken... He was lovely. The family wanted him to be a doctor. He was also
very good at football and a big Man United fan.”
His old teacher added: “He had a great heart. Always the
captain, always up for everything. He was a talented footballer who could play
any position. I taught him for seven years at primary school, and even later
he’d still give me a big hug and tell me about scoring a goal. I wish all kids
were like him.”
The London Fire Brigade said the cause of the fire is under
investigation but is not currently believed to be suspicious. The Metropolitan
Police is assisting with the inquiry.
Detective Chief Inspector Danian Reid called it “a tragic
incident” and assured the community that local officers would remain on the
scene as investigations continue. “We understand the impact this will have on
the community,” he said.
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