Essex Police detective appeals to anonymous letter writer as part of almost 14 year investigation into fatal Harlow house fire
An anonymous letter was sent to Essex Police saying they have key key information on what caused the tragedy
An Essex Police detective is appealing for an anonymous letter writer to come forward as they continue their investigations into a fatal Harlow house fire in 2012.
The anonymous writer states they have key information on what caused the tragedy.
The house fire in 2012 claimed the lives of a mother and five children in October of 2012.
Dr Abdul Shakoor was the sole survivor of the blaze.
Essex Police's murder investigation has been running for almost 14 years, with nobody held to account to date.
Their work has however continued, with more than 70 officers and staff focussed on the incident and the surrounding circumstances.
500 people have come forward to give witness statements, and almost 2,000 items have been examined as part of the case.
The force is now asking the writer of an anonymous letter to come forward and speak to them directly.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who is leading the police operation, said: “This letter is clearly written by someone who wants this investigation to progress just as much as we do. They clearly want to Dr Shakoor get justice for his family.
“The author references the ‘nightmare’ of having information but not feeling able to share it. To that person, I’m saying: ‘You can share what you know – you will be treated fairly. Your information could be what leads to a person or people being held accountable for tearing the Shakoor family apart’.”
DCI Metcalfe added: “The whole of this investigation team remains committed to securing answers for Dr Shakoor. He has lived for too long with questions over how he lost his family.
“I would urge anyone with any information on what happened in Barn Mead, Harlow, in October 2012 to please come forward.”
She said the best way to contact the police is through the Major Incident Public Portal.