Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Second arrest made in murder investigation following arson attack

A 34-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the fire in south London.

Margaret Davis
Tuesday 27 February 2024 11:27 GMT
The scene of a fatal house fire in Streatham, south London (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
The scene of a fatal house fire in Streatham, south London (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A second arrest has been made as part of a murder investigation into a fatal arson attack.

The blaze broke out at a house that is divided into bedsits in Streatham, south London, after 7pm on Sunday, where officers found a 49-year-old man dead.

A 34-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Neighbours said that different people come and go from the house, with one, who did not want to be named, describing the scene on Sunday as “chaos”.

“It was just so busy. All the neighbours out on the street, people screaming, children crying and so frightened,” they said.

“There were just plumes of black smoke and fire engines, it felt like chaos. So different from the quiet street we’re used to.”

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who is leading the investigation, said on Monday that detectives had spent the day gathering CCTV footage.

She went on: “The scene of the fire has undergone extensive forensic examination to help us understand how the fire started.

“I would ask anyone in the area who saw any activity on Sunday evening around 6.45pm in Glenister Park Road, between Drakewood Road and Streatham Vale, or has information about the incident, to come forward immediately.

“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 is due to take place in the coming days.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting the reference CAD 5631/25Feb, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in