THE DEATHS of six members of the same family in a house fire in Harlow could have been murder, an inquest heard.

Dr Sabah Usmani and her five children, Maheen, Rayyan, Muneeb, Hira and Sohaib Shakoor died in the blaze in Barn Mead, Harlow on 15 October 2012.

Det Supt Rob Vinson told Chelmsford Coroner’s Court that all the evidence pointed towards murder but firefighters could not rule out an accidental cause.

The court heard that temperature in the inferno could have reached 800 degrees.

The court also heard how Dr Usamin shielded her daughter against the intense heat and smoke. Her daughter died a few days later in hospital.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded an open verdict.

Essex Police have confirmed that they are continuing to investigate.