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Fearless - Our Youth Service
Death of innocent seven-year-old boy in arson attack first anniversary
This prompts our reward offer of up to £10,000 for information
On the first anniversary of an arson attack which led to the death of this young boy, we are appealing for anyone who knows who started the blaze to speak up anonymously using our unique service.
Seven-year-old Joel Urhie died during a suspicious fire at a property in south-east London.
A blaze began at around 3.20am on Tuesday 7 August 2018 at the family home on Adolphus Street, Deptford, south-east London, where Joel’s mother Efe, and his sister Sarah, resided. Joel’s older brother was on licence for drug offences – and had been shot at in the weeks running up to the fire - although he was not present at the time of the fire.
Joel’s sister Sarah was first to smell smoke and on opening her bedroom door, she discovered the landing full of smoke and flames climbing up the stairs. After shouting to alert her mother, she jumped from the first-floor window on to the concrete garden, breaking her ankle.
Joel shared the bedroom with his mother Efe who jumped out of the first-floor window and wanted Joel to follow so she could cushion his fall. However, Joel did not jump. Despite fracturing her elbow and hip, mum Efe tried to regain entry to find Joel, but was held back by the force of the fire.
The body of the young boy, who had special needs, was found at the windowsill by the edge of Efe's burnt-out bed. He died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Seven-year-old Joel Urhie died during a suspicious fire at a property in south-east London.
A blaze began at around 3.20am on Tuesday 7 August 2018 at the family home on Adolphus Street, Deptford, south-east London, where Joel’s mother Efe, and his sister Sarah, resided. Joel’s older brother was on licence for drug offences – and had been shot at in the weeks running up to the fire - although he was not present at the time of the fire.
Joel’s sister Sarah was first to smell smoke and on opening her bedroom door, she discovered the landing full of smoke and flames climbing up the stairs. After shouting to alert her mother, she jumped from the first-floor window on to the concrete garden, breaking her ankle.
Joel shared the bedroom with his mother Efe who jumped out of the first-floor window and wanted Joel to follow so she could cushion his fall. However, Joel did not jump. Despite fracturing her elbow and hip, mum Efe tried to regain entry to find Joel, but was held back by the force of the fire.
The body of the young boy, who had special needs, was found at the windowsill by the edge of Efe's burnt-out bed. He died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
***Note: Information passed directly to police will not qualify. The reward will only qualify if information is passed to Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or via the non-traceable anonymous online form.***
