Streatham: Second arrest made after man dies in suspected arson attack

A 47-year-old man was found dead after the fire on Sunday

Neighbours describe the scene on Sunday as ‘chaos’

Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

Margaret Davis27 February 2024

A second arrest has been made as part of a murder investigation into a deadly arson attack in Streatham, south London.

The blaze broke out at a house that is divided into bedsits 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.”

Forensic officers at the scene of a fatal house fire in Streatham

Tom Barnes/PA Wire

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.”

Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

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.

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