Fatal flat blaze probe under way

Investigation teams are trying to identify what caused the fire

Detectives are investigating the cause of a fire at a second-floor flat in south-west London which killed a mother and her young daughter.

The bodies of the pair were found in the bedroom of the property at Willow Tree Close, in Earlsfield. They have not yet been formally identified.

Post-mortem examinations have taken place to determine the cause of death but the results have not been revealed.

The cause of the blaze, which broke out on Friday evening, is not yet known.

Emergency teams were called at 1925 GMT by a neighbour who had heard and smelled the fire.

It took 20 firefighters about an hour to bring the fire, which caused severe damage to the flat, under control.

Det Supt Michael McNally, based at Wandsworth, said: "We are currently working with the fire investigation unit to try to establish how the fire started."

The flat is on the second floor of a three-storey block, London Fire Brigade said.

Patricia Robson, a resident in her 60s who lives opposite the property, said of the daughter: "She was a beautiful little blonde girl. It is a tragedy."

The Metropolitan Police said there had been a fire at the flat in August last year which was "non-suspicious".