A fire that killed a five-year-old boy in Lewisham is likely to have been started deliberately, say police.
The Fire Brigade was called to the blaze in Russett Way early on Saturday morning (March 6) shortly before 6am.
A family of three people, a 34-year-old woman and two boys aged five and fourteen were found injured and taken to hospital.
The five-year-old died of his injuries two hours later. He has not been formally identified by police. The other two people are said to be in a serious condition.
Officers say they now believe the fire was started deliberately but do not believe there was anyone else, other than the three family members, were inside the home and have ruled out any third party involvement.
Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith, leading the investigation, said: “We’ve worked extensively at the scene with the London Fire Brigade following this awful incident and can now confirm that the fire inside the address is thought to have been started deliberately.
“Other than the three occupants, we don’t believe there were any other persons present inside the address, and are ruling out the involvement of a third party.
“Wider family have been informed and our specialist officers are supporting them as they come to terms with their loss.
“What I need now is for any members of the public who might have information that could assist our investigation to make contact, so that we can increase our understanding of what has led to this tragic incident and provide the family with answers to the questions they are asking.
“No piece of information is too small – please call us immediately.”
The incident room can be reached on 0208 345 3985 with the reference Operation Tampere or CAD1321/06MAR. Alternatively call 101 or tweet @MetCC.
To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.