Seven held over fire that killed Irish-based doctor’s family

Seven men have been arrested in connection with the deaths of a mother and her three children who were killed in a house fire.

The four victims were the family of Dublin-based doctor Dr Muhammad Taufiq al Sattar.

Leicestershire Police said the arrests came after officers executed warrants at several properties in the Leicester area this morning.

The men were detained in connection with the fire in Wood Hill on Friday 13, in which Shehnila Taufiq (47) her daughter Zainab (19) and sons Bilal (17) and Jamil (15),all died.

A force spokesman said the men, aged 16, 18, 20, 21, 24 and two 19-year-olds, remain in police custody while inquiries continue.

Detective Superintendent Kate Meynell, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “We appreciate that a number of residents may have been concerned with the police presence this morning, and we would like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience as officers carried out these warrants.

“This morning’s activity was part of the ongoing investigation into the four deaths in Wood Hill earlier this month.

“We would also like to encourage anyone with information regarding the fire who has not already spoken to the police to contact us.”

Kemo Anthony Porter, 18, of Browning Street, Leicester, has been charged with murdering the family and is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court at a later date.

Press Association