BY JAMES SIMONS
A pregnant woman has died following a suspected arson in Southend, Essex.
A pregnant mother who died following a suspected Arson in Southend has been named as 30 year old Khabi Abrey from Southend. She died in hospital on Monday May 9 following a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in Balmoral Road at about 11.15pm on Saturday May 7.
A post mortem examination has given the cause of Mrs Abrey’s death as complications arising following the inhalation of fire fumes. Her unborn baby died of cardiac arrest due to Mrs Abrey’s inhalation of fire fumes.
The incident is being treated by Essex police as a murder investigation. A 47-year-old from Westcliff , arrested yesterday, Tuesday May 10, remains in custody for questioning. Police say he was arrested on suspicion of murder, arson endangering life and child destruction. The suspect is currently being detained by police. He has been taken to Rayleigh Police Station for questioning where he currently remains. Several police cars and ambulances were seen at the scene, with a number of forensic officers attending too.
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Southend has a bad reputation for violence and murders, many killings being drug related as many gangs see the area as a haven for making quick cash. The consequence of the influx of drug dealers has caused many of them to become territorial, leading to turf wars, and ultimately killings. The Grampian flats and the association of other block of flats located not far from this one is said to have endured a number of drug related disputes resulting in stabbings. There is currently no evidence to suggest that this suspected murder was drug related, but police clearly have established a motive of some sort to be holding the man on suspicion of murder.
CONTINUING
A police statement from Detective Chief Inspector Marina Ericson read: “This is an important development in our enquiries but this is very much a continuing investigation and we would appeal for anyone with information which could help us to get in touch. Whatever you have heard or seen, even if you don’t think it is significant, we need to know.” Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or email scdappeals@[email protected]
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Senior investigating officer Al Pitcher, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “This is a very sad and distressing incident, in which a young woman and her unborn child have lost their lives in tragic circumstances.
“Her family are now having to come to terms with their devastating loss.
“A number of other residents have also been left homeless as a result of this blaze.
“We would appeal for anyone with information about what happened that evening to please come forward and help us find those responsible for this fire.
“The fire was started in the communal area close to the victim’s home on the ninth floor and we are still exploring whether or not this was a targeted attack.
“We are reviewing CCTV as part of our extensive inquiries and are appealing for witnesses who saw anybody acting suspiciously in or around the block of flats around the time of the fire, or in the days leading up to the incident.
Essex police told the eye of media.com that they are still ”in the process of gathering evidence”, and do not normally disclose the name of suspects unless and until they are charged. Cards and flowers were left outside the Grampian flats.
The motive for the suspected arson has not been established yet bit will be revealed as more information becomes clear.
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