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ENGAGING
ESSEX

A community remembers

The emergency services, staff from Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH), local school representatives, Harlow Islamic Centre, local community members and other organisations will be getting together on October 15 at the Salvation Army Centre in Tendring Road to pay their respects and spend a moment in reflection to mark the sad anniversary of the fatal fire in Barn Mead, that occurred in the early hours of October 15, 2012.


It was one year ago that Dr Abdul Shakoor, a doctor working at PAH in Harlow, woke up to find his family home filled with choking thick black smoke and a fire raging in the lounge downstairs. He desperately fought to save his family but tragically his wife Sabah, 44, also a trained doctor, and his five children, Hira aged 12, sons Sohaib aged 11, Muneeb, aged 9, Rayyan aged 6 and youngest daughter Maheen who was just 3, all died, despite the efforts of the fire crews, police and hospital staff who fought to save them.

One year on Dr Shakoor finds strength from his faith and the support of the local community to continue working at PAH, helping other people. He will be in Pakistan to be with his mother, grandmother and other family member to give each other emotional support on what will be the most difficult of days.

Police continue to investigate the six deaths of the Shakoor family as murder and arson. Three men, all aged 19 have been arrested, questioned and released on police bail whilst enquires into what is the largest Essex Police murder enquiry continue.  The cause of the fire is still subject to forensic investigation. It started in the lounge but the exact cause has not been identified yet.

Detectives know that a burglary took place at the house and a black Toshiba Satellite laptop was taken. This has not been recovered and police still need to find it. It was purchased abroad and would need an adapter to make it work in the UK.  Detectives and staff from Operation Shakespeare have taken around 1,500 statements, interviewed hundreds of people and taken over 3,000 items for examination.

Det Superintendent Rob Vinson, leading the investigation said: “I believe that someone within the Harlow community knows who is responsible for the burglary and arson. One year on I ask them to give serious thought to telling someone what they know. If they don’t want to speak to police they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where they can give information anonymously. The Crimestoppers charity is still offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to a conviction. Or I appeal for you to speak to someone you trust and get them to pass on that information.

“Dr Shakoor is a private, dignified man who has had to cope with the most unimaginable tragedy of losing his entire family. He is suffering every day and for his sake I urge you to make contact.”

If you have any information, however insignificant it may seem that can give answers to Dr Shakoor, please contact detectives on 01277 266869 or email [email protected], or ring 101.

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “The death of Dr Shakoor’s wife and five children in a house fire in Harlow was a dreadful event. Throughout it all, Dr Shakoor has shown immense courage and dignity, as have members of the local Islamic community. At the memorial service last year, the people of Harlow came out onto the streets to demonstrate their respect and sympathy. It is right that we pause to remember this tragedy, and pay our respects to Dr Shakoor, his friends and his loved ones.

“Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances of the fire. If anyone knows anything about this event which they have not shared with the police yet, I would urge them to call 101 to speak to the police, or if they want to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews and officers were deeply affected by the tragic incident at the Shakoor house last year.   We would urge anyone who knows anything at all to come forward and share this information.”

East of England Ambulance Service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “First and foremost our service is honoured to have been invited along to join our emergency service colleagues and to reflect on the tragic incident where Dr Shakoor’s family perished in a house fire.”

“Our attending ambulance crews, control and support staff who dealt with this incident on the night were confronted with one of the biggest fatal fires the ambulance service has attended in Essex. Our staff members will take this opportunity to pay their respects and meet the community of Harlow who were deeply affected that six people had lost their lives.”

Melanie Walker, Chief Executive of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust said: “Princess Alexandra Hospital is part of the local community and like the local community has felt a deep sense of loss for Dr Shakoor. Many of our staff know him personally and with help of the Trust have provided support and assistance when required.

“Dr Shakoor is a valued and well liked member of staff and we are very aware how difficult this must be for him, particularly as this was only one year ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with him at this time.” 

Stuart Rawlins, Chairman for Essex Crimestoppers added: “One year on, a community is still searching for answers, and a husband and father searching for justice.  Crimestoppers offered a reward of up to £10,000 shortly after this incident, and that reward still remains on the table for anyone who provides that crucial piece of information that could lead to an arrest and conviction.

“This was a tragic incident and the person or people responsible need to be held accountable for their actions, so please do the right thing and call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or fill out our Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org and I promise you, nobody will know you contacted us.”

 

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CONTACT THE PFCC

PFCC for Essex, Kelvedon Park, London Road, Rivenhall, Witham, Essex, CM8 3HB
01245 291600

If your enquiry relates to operational policing or a crime please contact Essex Police

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