DETECTIVES investigating a fatal fire in Harlow where six people lost their lives have today (Thursday, October 15) made a renewed appeal for information.

They hope to find some answers for Dr Abdul Shakoor who lost his family in the blaze.

It’s been three years since Dr Sabah Usmani and her children Hira, 12, Sohaib, 11, Muneeb, nine, Rayyan, 6 and three-year-old Maheen died as a result of the fire which swept through the ground floor of their terraced home in Barn Mead, Harlow, in the early hours of Monday, October 15, 2012.

It sent thick, choking smoke through the premises. Dr Abdul Shakoor had to leap through an upstairs window in a desperate attempt to get help for his family. He was unable to save them from the fire that engulfed his home. He was the only survivor.

The investigation into the fire has been one of the most difficult and challenging inquiries carried out by Essex Police.

Senior Investigating Officer, Det Supt Rob Vinson, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Three years have passed and we are desperate to find answers for Dr Shakoor. We have said right from the start that the answer to this case lies within the community of Harlow. I would urge anybody who knows anything to come forward. Please don’t hold anything back as even a small piece of information could help us unlock the answers and find the person or persons responsible. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the police you can speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”

He added: “A mother and her five children lost their lives in this fire. A father lost his wife and children. This is still an active investigation and we are determined to do everything we can.

“It’s affected the whole community in Harlow and local people are still coming to terms with what happened.”

Details of the case are on the Essex Police website www. essex.police.uk

Anybody with any information is asked to contact the Serious Crime Directorate at Brentwood on Essex Police 101.

People can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.