Mother charged with manslaughter after four children killed in house fire in south London
10 December 2023, 10:23 | Updated: 10 December 2023, 14:54
A mother has been charged with four counts of manslaughter after a fire killed four children in London.
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Two sets of twin brothers - Leyton and Logan Hoath, aged three, and Kyson and Bryson Hoath, aged four - died in the blaze in Collingwood Road, Sutton, in December 2021.
Deveca Rose, 29, has also been charged with child abandonment and is due at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Monday.
The Metropolitan Police said: "Officers understand the significant impact on the local community following this devastating incident, and they would like to reassure people that this extremely complex investigation continues, supported by partner agencies including the Crown Prosecution Service and London Fire Brigade."
More than 60 firefighters had to put out the blaze as it tore through the terraced home on December 16, 2021.
Paramedics arrived at the scene within minutes but all four boys were pronounced dead.
The children's burned presents were found under the Christmas tree.
Dalton Hoath, 28, the boys' father, said his family was "utterly devastated" by the deaths of the "bright, caring, loving" children, who were passionate about football.
"They were bright, caring, loveable boys, but most of all Sons, Brothers, Grandsons, Great Grandsons, Nephews and Cousins," he said after the tragedy.
"We would like to thank all the emergency services who did so much to try and save our boys, and also the local community who have come together at this difficult time."
