Detectives investigating the devastating 2012 Harlow fire are desperate to hear from an anonymous letter writer claiming to hold crucial information. The call comes as the probe, known as Operation Shakespeare, approaches its 14th year with no arrests.
Family of Six Lost in Deadly Blaze
Back in October 2012, Dr Abdul Shakoor’s wife, Dr Sabah Usmani, and their five children — Hira, Maheen, Sohaib, Muneeb, and Rayyan — were tragically killed when fire engulfed their home in Barn Mead, Harlow. The family was asleep when flames tore through the downstairs at 1.40am. A nearby silver Ford Focus was also set alight that night. Despite Dr Shakoor’s frantic efforts to save them, the horrific blaze claimed the lives of his wife and children. He alone survived, left with lingering questions and heartbreak. berkshire999.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-04-at-20.45.04-1024x972.png" alt="" width="800" height="759" srcset="https://berkshire999.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-04-at-20.45.04-1024x972.png 1024w, https://berkshire999.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-04-at-20.45.04-300x285.png 300w, https://berkshire999.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-04-at-20.45.04-768x729.png 768w, https://berkshire999.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-04-at-20.45.04.png 1096w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
Operation Shakespeare: Nearly 14 Years and Counting
- More than 70 officers have worked on the case
- Almost 500 witness statements collected
- Nearly 2,000 pieces of evidence examined
- No one has been charged yet
Now, police urgently want the mystery letter writer to come forward. Sent directly to Essex Police, the letter reportedly contains critical details that could break the case wide open.
Detective Pleads for Justice
“This letter is clearly written by someone who wants this investigation to progress just as much as we do,” said Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, lead on Operation Shakespeare. “The author talks of the nightmare of holding information but being unable to share it. To that person I say: You can share what you know – you will be treated fairly. Your information could help bring those responsible to justice for tearing the Shakoor family apart.” “We remain committed to finding answers for Dr Shakoor, who has lived too long with these painful questions. Anyone with information about the fire in Barn Mead, Harlow, please come forward.”
If you have any information, visit the Essex Police website to contact the dedicated portal and help crack this cold case.
