The Harlow doctor whose family were wiped out in a horrific house fire, thought to have been started deliberately following a burglary, has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
At a press conference at Essex Police headquarters in Chelmsford today, Dr Abdul Shakoor said: "It is impossible for me to put into words what the loss of my wife and children means to me and the devastating affect it has had on all of my family. I cannot express the pain of loosing my devoted wife Sabah and my beautiful children, Hira, Sohaib, Muneeb, Rayyan and Maheen. Maheen died in hospital just days before her fourth birthday.
"In the space of just one night I have lost everything dearest to me.
"Any father, any mother, anyone who has family who they love, will understand the pain that I and all my family are suffering.
"Allah has given me courage to face this tragedy with patience, and so many people from across the community have supported me with their love and words and comfort at this terrible time.
"Today I am looking to the community once again for help in providing answers to the many questions that remain.
"I do not understand why my little children who were so happy and full of life, who had so much to live for, are no longer here.
"I ask from my heart that anyone with information comes forward to help, so that I may understand the tragedy that has befallen my beautiful family.
"Even a small piece of information may make a difference and, however difficult it may be, I ask anyone who knows what happened, to do the right thing, to come forward and to talk to the police.
"I am again thankful to all the community, the emergency services and all institutions for their great support at this difficult time."
At the conference it was also revealed for the first time that the home had been burgled on the night that the fire started.
Two attempted burglaries took place at other nearby homes on the same night, although those responsible were not able to enter the properties.
More on the links to the right of this story.
