Arson probe launched as woman in her 40s dies during blaze in south east London

Pic:Sixty firefighters were called to the blaze in the early hours of Thursday ( PA )
Crime reporter,London(wp/es):

A fatal fire in south east London is now being treated by police a suspected arson.

A woman, in her late 40s, died in the blaze in Centurion Square, Woolwich, in the early hours of Thursday, Scotland Yard said.

The woman was found dead inside the property and officers later said they are treating the circumstances of the blaze are suspicious.

A spokesman said: "Detectives are keen to hear from anyone in the area - including local residents - who heard or saw anything suspicious before or after the fire started."

The force added that its murder cops "have been made aware of the incident".

The woman's next-of-kin have been informed.

Two other people inside the property, a man in his 60s and woman in her 50s, were taken to hospital for treatment. Their conditions are not believed to be serious, police added.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 380/06SEP, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.