A 18 YR WOMAN DEATH(LEVEL CROSSING) IN SOUTH WEST LONDON TODAY

STAFF REPORTER,W.L(ES/WT):::: A teenager is dead after being found on fire in the street in south-west London. Police, medics and firefighters were called at 1.10am to reports of a burning woman on the level crossing near a Tesco branch at West Barnes Lane in New Malden. They managed to extinguish the fire but the woman, believed to be around 18 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene. A spokeswoman for the London Fire Brigade said the woman had suffered burns on every part of her body. Nearby Burlington Road and neighbouring streets were sealed off by police and remained closed at midday. Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased and have informed next of kin but no formal identification has taken place. Her death is being treated as unexplained pending an investigation by officers from Merton Borough and the London Fire Brigade. Scotland Yard said it believed the fire started in a nearby house in Linkway. Scotland Yard confirmed tonight that the 18-year-old woman had a young son, who was being looked after by relatives when she died and remains in their care. Police are seeking three people who rushed to her aid and tried to put out the flames. A spokesman said the death appeared "non-suspicious" but appealed for any witnesses. Layla Hamid, 20, a student who lives opposite the house, told the Daily Mail: "I heard initially what I thought was a fox making a noise or an animal in pain. "I heard four separate screams - the first one right outside the house and then more screams in the road and then behind me on the level crossing. "Now that I know what it was, I feel chilled to the bone. She must have been in so much pain." Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident should call 101.