Police ‘keeping an open mind’ about cause of blaze that killed a five-year-old boy in Greenwich

Police are ‘keeping an open mind’ about the cause of a blaze that killed a five-year-old boy and left a woman and teenager seriously ill at a block of flats in Greenwich.

Firefighters wearing special breathing equipment rescued the 34-year-old woman and two children from the top floor of a block of maisonettes in south-east London early on Saturday morning, emergency services said.

The boy died in hospital shortly before 8am while the woman and second boy, aged 14, remain in a serious condition, said Scotland Yard.

In a separate blaze, the London Fire Brigade said a 34-year-old man has also died on Mitchison Road in Islington.

Firefighters found the man in the ground floor flat that was damaged in the blaze, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The fire service said six engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze at the block of maisonettes in Russett Way, Greenwich, at 5.44am on Saturday

Firefighters rescued a woman and two children from the top floor of the building, London Fire Brigade said

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze in Russett Way, Greenwich, at 5.44am on Saturday, said the London Fire Brigade.

Crime scene examiners and firefighters are still working to establish how the fire started. Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘A child has lost his life in extremely tragic circumstances.

‘At this stage, I am keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire. I urge anyone with information to come forward.’

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘Three people, a 34-year-old woman and two children, sustained injuries and were taken to south London hospitals.

‘Despite the best efforts of the emergency services and hospital staff, one of the children sadly died shortly before 8am.

‘The 34-year-old woman and the second child remain in a serious condition.’

Anyone with information should on 0208 345 3985 with the reference Operation Tampere or CAD1321/06MAR, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The family of the injured have been informed of the incident and are being supported by specialist liaison officers. 

All three were taken to hospital by London ambulance crews, where one of the children died (smashed windows at the property)