A seven year-old boy has died in an arson attack on a family’s home.
More than 30 firefighters tackled the “very severe” blaze in Deptford, south east London, in the early hours of this morning (TUES).
Two women jumped to safety from the first floor as flames engulfed the property before fire crews arrived at the scene in Adolphus Street.
The boy’s body was discovered inside the badly damage house.
Police are treating the blaze as “suspicious” and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
A Mey Police spokeswoman said: “An arson investigation has been launched following a fatal fire.
“Police were called to Adolphus Street, Deptford, at 3.25am following reports of a fire at a residential address.
“Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade who tackled the fire.
“A seven-year-old boy was found deceased inside the property. His next-of-kin have been informed.”
She added: “Police are working with fire investigators and have deemed the fire as suspicious.
“A number of surrounding properties were evacuated as a precaution.
“Two women were taken to a central London hospital by London Ambulance Service. Their injuries are not life-threatening.
“Officers from Lewisham investigate supported by the Homicide and Major Crime Command.
“At this early stage there have been no arrests. Enquiries continue.”
A London fire Brigade spokesman said: “Six fire engines and around 35 firefighters were called to a house fire on Adolphus Street, Deptford, in the early hours of this morning.
“Firefighters arrived to find a very severe fire inside the house. The ground floor was badly damaged by the blaze, as well as the whole of the first floor and the stairs from the ground to the first floor.
Two women jumped from first floor level shortly before the first firefighters arrived at scene. They were both treated at the scene by firefighters and London Ambulance Service crews.
Sadly, a 7-year-old boy was found deceased by firefighters inside the property.
The Brigade was called at 0325 and the fire was brought under control by 0448. Fire crews from Deptford, Greenwich, New Cross, Lewisham, East Greenwich and Peckham fire stations attended the incident.
The Metropolitan Police are treating the fire as suspicious. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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