Boy remanded over murder charge

A 14-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a teenage girl in an arson attack on her home.

The boy, who cannot be named, is accused of killing a 15-year-old girl, who died last Thursday after being hurt in the fire on 21 June.

He was also charged with the attempted murders of four other people injured in the blaze in Lessingham Avenue, Tooting, Balham Youth Court heard.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on 16 July.

The others hurt in the fire were the girl's mother and three siblings, who are still in a critical condition, according to police.

The mother and her eldest child jumped from a first-floor window to escape the blaze.

The victim, and her other three siblings, were rescued from the burning building by firefighters.