Key Points
- Four young boys, two sets of twins — three-year-olds Leyton and Logan Hoath and four-year-olds Kyson and Bryson Hoath — died in a house fire in Sutton, south London, on 16 December 2021.
- The fire broke out at their family home on Collingwood Road at shortly after 7pm; the boys were discovered under beds and treated at the scene before being taken to hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.
- The boys were left home alone by their mother, Deveca Rose, who was shopping when the blaze started.
- Rose claimed she left the children with a friend named Jade, but police confirmed no such person was present or existed.
- Rose was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and later convicted of manslaughter; she was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
- The fire was likely caused by either a discarded cigarette or overturned tealight, exacerbated by clutter in the house.
- Emergency services and police remain at the scene, with road closures in place during the initial response.
- The family reportedly had a history of concerns raised by social workers and health visitors regarding the children’s welfare.
- The boys’ father, Dalton Hoath, described losing his sons as “the worst day of my life.”
- Specialist support was offered to the next of kin following this tragic loss.
What Happened in the Sutton House Fire That Killed Four Children?
As reported by multiple news outlets, including UKNIP and the BBC, the tragic incident occurred shortly after 7pm on Thursday, 16 December 2021, when the London Fire Brigade responded to reports of a residential fire on Collingwood Road, Sutton. On arrival, police along with the London Ambulance Service and firefighters found the house ablaze. After extinguishing the fire, emergency personnel discovered the bodies of four young boys—twins aged three and twins aged four—who were related to each other, inside the house. The children were transported to two south London hospitals but were pronounced dead later that night. The brothers had been left home alone during the fire.
Who Were the Children Involved in the Fire?
The boys were Leyton and Logan Hoath (aged three) and Kyson and Bryson Hoath (aged four), two sets of twins living in Sutton. The heartbreaking loss deeply affected the local community as well as the wider London area.
How Did the Fire Start?
Investigations led by fire authorities revealed that the fire likely started due to either a discarded cigarette or an overturned tealight candle inside the house. The situation was worsened by the presence of clutter and debris on the floor, which accelerated the spread of flames and smoke. Superintendent Rob Shepherd stated that the cause of the fire was still under investigation during the early stages but gave no indications ruling out these findings.
What Was the Mother’s Role and Legal Outcome?
Deveca Rose, the boys’ mother, left the children alone at their home to go shopping at a local supermarket. During the emergency response, Rose told firefighters that she had left the children with a friend named Jade, but police investigations found no evidence that this person existed or was present at the property that day.
Rose, aged 30 at the time of the trial, was charged and convicted on four counts of manslaughter following a deeply emotional court case at the Old Bailey. On 23 January 2025, Judge Mark Lucraft KC sentenced her to 10 years in prison, describing the incident as “deeply tragic” and lamenting the loss of four young lives in such catastrophic circumstances. The judge also commented on Rose’s deteriorating eyesight, adding a personal note to the sentencing. Rose was acquitted of child cruelty but admitted to having left the children unattended on previous occasions.
Were There Warnings or Concerns Raised About the Family?
Yes, evidence presented in court showed that social workers and health visitors had previously raised concerns about the children’s welfare. The case had been closed three months before the fire, and reports indicated that the children had not attended school for three weeks prior. The children’s paternal great-grandmother described the boys as “her world” but confirmed that the mother sometimes left the boys alone, going to the “pop shop” nearby, which sometimes led to doubts over the adequacy of their care.
How Did the Community and Family React to the Tragedy?
Superintendent Rob Shepherd expressed sympathy on behalf of the police and emergency services, stating,
“The thoughts of everyone at the South Area Command Unit are with the family and friends of these four young children, who have suffered such a devastating and tragic loss tonight.”
Dalton Hoath, the boys’ father, said losing his sons was “the worst day of my life,” calling it every parent’s “worst nightmare,” and described trying to maintain normality for his remaining family members.
What Support Was Offered After the Incident?
The next of kin were made aware promptly following the fire, and specialist support services were offered to help them cope with the trauma. Police and emergency responders remained at the scene for an extended period to conduct investigations, with road closures implemented on Collingwood Road during this time.
This case highlights severe child neglect issues and the consequences of leaving very young children unattended. Despite previous warnings and social concerns, the children were left alone, resulting in one of the most heart-rending incidents in the London area in recent years. The tragedy emphasises the critical importance of safeguarding children’s welfare and vigilance by both families and social services to prevent such lost lives.
