Murder investigation after man dies in Streatham house fire

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and arson after a man died following a suspicious house fire in south London.

The Metropolitan Police were called by London Fire Brigade to a multi-occupancy house in Glenister Park Road, Streatham, shortly after 7pm on Sunday, where they found a 49-year-old man dead inside.

On Monday a 34-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

She remains in custody at a south London police station.

The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers.

Police have appealed for witnesses and said they are treating it as an isolated incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, leading the investigation, said the scene of the fire has undergone “extensive” forensic examination.

“We are in the early stages of our investigation, and we are working quickly to piece together the events last night in Glenister Park Road that sadly resulted in a man losing his life,” she said.

“Detectives have spent the day gathering footage from nearby doorbell cameras and other CCTV. 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 has yet to take place.

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 5631/25Feb.