Murder probe launched after man dies in suspected arson attack at home

A murder probe has been launched after a man died in a suspected arson attack at a home in Streatham, a suburb of south London.

The man, 49, was found inside a multi-occupancy house along Glenister Park Road when the blaze erupted shortly after 7pm yesterday.

Footage shows the front windows of the two-storey in the residential Streatham Vale neighbourhood glowing orange as black smoke billows out.

The man’s cause of death is unknown with a post-mortem expected in the coming days. His next-of-kin has been informed.

Metropolitan Police detectives believe the fatal fire may have been started deliberately and is being treated as suspicious.

A 34-year-old woman was arrested today in connection with the fire on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. 

Police and firefighters have launched a joint investigation (Picture: UKNIP)

She remains in custody at a south London police station.

Officers are now watching surveillance tapes and doorbell camera footage to piece together what happened on Sunday night.

Forensic officers were at the residential street today as London Fire Brigade (LFB) officials figure out how the blaze was 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,’ said lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn.

‘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.’

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