08 April 2023 , 12:34
771
0
Tributes have been paid to a 14-year-old "angel" who was killed in a London flat fire after speculation reportedly shared by a neighbour that petrol was poured through the letterbox.
Tiffany Regis died in a fire at the block of flats in Beckton, east London, on Thursday night with police confirming they were investigating it as an arson attack.
The Mirror understands the teenager had been hosting a party when a blaze started, ripping through the property.
The Metropolitan Police have not yet formally identified the teenager, although Tiffany was named locally on Friday as a family friend paid tribute.
The man, who gave his name only as Godfrey, described Tiffany as an "angel" who would never be forgotten.
Teen 'kept as slave, starved and beaten' sues adoptive parents and authorities
The 30-year-old said: "I've even got videos of her from when she was young.
"She spent some time with my little nephews. Those memories with her I will never forget."
Miss Regis was pronounced dead at the scene (PA)A man, believed to be Tiffany's dad, also described as "a beautiful person inside and out" who was "funny and loving".
Writing online, he said: "Thank you for the comments for our daughter. Rip my baby girl, daddy loves you."
One neighbour told The Sun: "It was chaos. The screaming was piercing. It was horrific. People were shouting for help and I saw someone jump from the third floor.
“There’s a rumour someone has poured petrol through the letterbox to start it. It’s horrific.”
Following the fire, which also left five others injured, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Scotland Yard said the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was released on bail pending further investigation until May.
The other five people hurt in the fire were treated in hospital for their injuries, but have since been discharged.
London Fire Brigade found Miss Regis in a second floor flat after they were called to the flats, with the teenager tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Death fears for Emmerdale's Sarah as teen rushed to A&E after exposing secret