Woman dies in blaze after suspected arson attack in Woolwich, south-east London

<em>Arson – a woman has died in a suspected arson attack on a townhouse in Woolwich (Picture: PA)</em>
Arson – a woman has died in a suspected arson attack on a townhouse in Woolwich (Picture: PA)

A woman has died in a suspected arson attack on a townhouse in south-east London.

The victim, believed to be in her late 40s, was found dead inside the address in Centurian Square, Woolwich, Scotland Yard said.

Emergency services were called to the address in the early hours of Thursday morning after nearly two dozen 999 calls were made when the blaze broke out.

A man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s were taken to hospital from the property but they are not believed to be seriously injured.

<em>Blaze – emergency services were called after the fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday (Picture: PA)</em>
Blaze – emergency services were called after the fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday (Picture: PA)

The fire is being treated as suspicious, Scotland Yard said.

The Metropolitan Police’s homicide and major crime command have been made aware but are not currently investigating the incident.

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Police attended the scene, along with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and Ambulance Service.

LFB said eight engines carrying around 60 firefighters tackled the blaze, which has now been extinguished.

Local CCTV footage will be reviewed and detailed forensic tests carried out.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.