Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman dies in east London flat blaze
7 April 2023, 08:12
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman died in a flat blaze in east London on Thursday evening.
Police were called to the block of flats on Tollgate Road, Newham, at 5.28pm after calls were made to emergency services.
Reports suggest some residents jumped from windows in a bid to escape the blaze, as flames engulfed much of the upper floor of the block, with smoke seen bellowing from windows.
A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service later confirmed that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, with paramedics treating five others who were taken to hospital.
Six fire engines attended the scene, alongside London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.
A spokesperson for the Met said: "Police, LAS and LFB are currently at the scene dealing with the fire.
"It is believed that there has been one female fatality and number of others injured.
"No further details at this stage. Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
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The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed the blaze “destroyed” a stairwell connecting the ground floor and second floor of the block.
They confirmed much of the second floor was also damaged by the fire, with 40 firefighters in attendance.
They added that the cause of the fire was yet to be confirmed.
The Met spokesperson added: "One male has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.
"A road closure is in place on Tollgate Road and restriction are in place on Bradley Stone Road and Valiant Way."
