East Ham fire: Vigil held after three children die

The service was an informal, multi-faith gathering, also led by the Reverend Dr Sue Lucas, rector of the Holy Trinity Church, East Ham.

Asked how she could comfort the community, she told BBC London: “On one level there are no words, but actually presence speaks much more loudly than words.

“In my faith, nothing can separate us from the love of God and the way people have gathered here together has shown that.”

The family has not yet been named and police are working to trace other relatives so they can be informed of the children’s deaths.

Earlier, Det Ch Ins Jonathan Burks from the Met Police said: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. I reiterate that we will do all we can, alongside the London Fire Brigade, the local authority and other partners, to provide the family and local community with support and answers to their questions.”