Police have launched a murder probe after two people burnt to death in a suspected arson attack on a home in Walthamstow, East London.
Two bodies, which are yet to be identified, were found inside the house after firefighters extinguished the flames. The blaze is thought to have been started deliberately and related to a previous incident that took place outside the property, the Metropolitan Police said. A murder inquiry is now underway as officers are working to identify the victims and inform their next of kin.
Police were called to Forest Road in Walthamstow, at 10.24pm on Sunday. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb, leading the investigation, said: "We believe that there may have been an incident outside the address in Forest Road before the fire started and I am very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed something or perhaps has doorbell or dashcam footage.
"We are working hard to identify the two people who sadly died in the fire, not least so that their families and loved ones can be notified. Two people’s lives have been cut short as a result of this fire. If you have heard something or have information relating to the incident please don’t hesitate to get in touch." No arrests have yet been made.
The London Fire Brigade sent out around six fire engines and 40 firefighters to tackle the blaze. Two people were found inside the terrace house and pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. A spokesperson previously said: "Two people have sadly died following a house fire on Forest Road in Walthamstow. A two-storey end-of-terraced house was destroyed by fire. Half of the roof was also damaged by fire.
"Two people were discovered inside the property by firefighters. They were sadly pronounced dead at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews. The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received nine calls about the fire. The Brigade was called at 10.25pm and the fire was brought under control by 12.22am. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Walthamstow, Woodford, Leyton and Tottenham fire stations attended the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and Metropolitan Police."
Anyone with information has been asked asked to call 101, or message on X @MetCC and quote CAD7022/21Apr. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.