HOCKED family members have spoken of their anguish after a one-year-old baby boy was left with severe brain damage following a ferocious house fire in Wanstead.

Abas Atiss has been in intensive care since being thrown to safety from a bedroom window by his terrified mother during the fierce blaze, in Empress Avenue, two weeks ago.

The child's uncle, Mustafa Sufi, said his parents and extended family have been in shock since the traumatic late-night horror, which left Abas with brain injuries caused by prolonged smoke inhalation.

He said: "It has been a terrible couple of weeks for our family because we are so worried for Abas, and for his future, after he suffered such bad injuries.

"He is a lovely boy, and it is horrible to think he may not be able to lead a normal life after this."

He added: "His father, Hamza, suffered a broken wrist during the fire when he jumped out of the window, but is recovering well."

Mr Sufi, of Mossford Court, Clayhall, said the baby's parents, and their six other children, have maintained a permanent vigil at Abas's bedside in Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, Holborn, over the past fortnight.

He said: "Thankfully his mother and the other kids are fine, but they have all been staying with him during his time in hospital, in case something happens.

"We are all praying he pulls through, but we know he's in very good hands.

"We're very grateful to the staff at the hospital, because we could not have asked for any more than the help they have given us and Abas."

Abas is due to be moved to Whipps Cross University Hospital, Leytonstone, to be closer to his family, who are due to be given temporary accommodation while their badly damaged house is redecorated.