A murder probe has been launched after a man died in a suspected arson attack at a home in Streatham, south London, on Sunday evening.
Police were called to the fatal blaze at a multi-occupancy home in Glenister Park Road shortly after 7pm, where a 49-year-old man was found dead inside.
Met Police detectives on Monday launched a murder investigation, saying the fire was thought to have been started deliberately and that the incident was being treated as suspicious.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed.
A 34-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the fire on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. She remained in custody at a south London police station on Monday evening.
Issuing an appeal, DCI Kate Blackburn urged anyone who saw activity around 6.45pm on Glenister Park Road, between Drakewood Road and Streatham Vale, or who had information about the fire, to come forward.
“We are in the early stages of our investigation, and we are working quickly to piece together the events last night in Glenister Park Road that sadly resulted in a man losing his life,” she said.
"Detectives have spent the day gathering footage from nearby doorbell cameras and other CCTV.
“The scene of the fire has undergone extensive forensic examination to help us understand how the fire started.
“We understand that such a tragic incident will cause concern among the wider community, however we believe that this is an isolated incident and we have arranged for additional patrols in the area over the coming days to help provide reassurance."
A post-mortem examination will take place in the coming days to establish the man’s cause of death.
Anyone who can help the investigation is being asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5631/25Feb.
