Hounslow Council says it is providing "assistance around the clock" for residents affected by a tragic house fire in Heston on Sunday night.

The incident has rocked the community after the blaze killed five people with one person still unaccounted for.

In a statement Leader of the council, Shantanu Rajawat said that the local authority was "conducting welfare checks with those affected."

Speaking to BBC Radio London he said: "It will take some time to get into the property, make sure it's safe to be able to work in it, so the investigations can happen."

Precautionary measures have been taken to ensure other residents and their properties are secure.

Floral tributes have been made by the community of the family which lost their lives to a fire in Hounslow (credit: SWNS).

The council leader told the BBC that these measures include moving people out of nearby houses.

He said that residents "were moved into hotels and the council is working with them very, very closely".

An investigation is still ongoing into how the fire began with councillor Rajawat stating that the council is working closely with the Met and London Fire Brigade to help support the recovery efforts.

Cllr Rajawat's full statement read: "On behalf of the Council I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Channel Close, Heston, [ on Sunday] night.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this difficult time. We are working together with our colleagues from the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police to support the recovery effort.

"Hounslow Council colleagues are conducting welfare checks with those affected and are on hand to provide assistance around the clock. If you are affected by the fire in any way, please get in touch with Ruth Walshe from London Fire Brigade, on 07385 943955 or via email."

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