Arson victim named by detectives

A woman murdered in a suspected arson attack in south-east London has been named by police.

Diane Carrington, 47, suffered burns and smoke inhalation during the blaze at her home in Drakefell Road, New Cross, in the early hours of Thursday.

Despite being rescued by firefighters, she died an hour later. Her teenage daughter is in critical condition at a specialist burns unit.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fire.

Some of these people have come forward but I would urge the ones that haven't done so as yet to do so as soon as possible Det Chf Insp Phil Adams

He is currently in custody at a south London police station.

Two fire engines and about 10 firefighters tackled the blaze which swept through the property at 0530 BST.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses into the incident.

Det Chf Insp Phil Adams said: "During the latter part of the evening and into the early hours of the morning leading up to the fire, we believe that there were still a number of people in the area who may have seen or heard something.

"Some of these people have come forward but I would urge the ones that haven't done so as yet to do so as soon as possible."

The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the fire brigade and the police.