Parents 'in limbo' 30 years after fire in New Cross killed 14

The father of a teenage boy who was one of 14 victims of the New Cross fire today called for a definitive answer to what happened.

He said families were still "in limbo" 30 years after the tragedy. George Francis, 82, spoke as a memorial plaque was unveiled to mark the anniversary of the blaze on January 18, 1981.

Mr Francis said: "The parents are getting older every year. A few of them have died, going away in limbo without any real answers. We just keep praying for an answer."

Uncertainty still surrounds the cause of the blaze at a house party which some believe was a racist attack because the victims were black, although forensic evidence suggests it started inside.

Mr Francis and his wife Velvetina lost their 17-year-old son Gerry in the blaze. Gerry, who dreamed of becoming a vet, was a DJ at the 16th birthday party for Yvonne Ruddock who also died. Some people jumped out of windows but others were overcome by the smoke.

Thirteen died and another was so traumatised he committed suicide 18 months later. Two inquests, the last in 2004, both recorded an open verdict, adding to the families' uncertainty.

Officially, the investigation remains open but there are no new leads, although the Met say new evidence would be examined.

Mr Francis, chairman of the New Cross Fire Parents Committee, said: "Our view is it wasn't a racist attack and whatever happened, happened on the inside. We just hope to have a definitive answer as I want justice for these children who died on this fateful night so I can put these memories to rest." A service was held on Sunday at St Andrew's United Reformed Church in Brockley, where many of the victims attended youth club.

As an ongoing memorial to the victims, Lewisham council each year funds a bursary for two young people to study at Goldsmiths College.