Man is arrested after fatal house fire killed man in his 70s in east London

A man has been arrested today after a fatal house fire in east London killed a man in his 70s in east London yesterday.

Police were called to reports of a fire at a property on Oval Road North in Dagenham at 5.40pm on Saturday.

The man's body was found by paramedics and firefighters after forcing entry inside the house. Police are still working to inform his next of kin.

Officers are treating the blaze as suspicious and have murder detectives leading the police investigation.

Police have not revealed which offence the suspect is accused of but he remains in custody.

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: 'A police investigation has been launched following a fatal fire in Dagenham.

'The fire is believed to be suspicious, and as such the Met’s investigation is led by homicide detectives working alongside colleagues from London Fire Brigade.

'Police were called to Oval Road North, Dagenham at around 17.40hrs on Saturday, 27 July to reports of a house fire.

'Officers attended along with London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.

'After firefighters forced entry to a property, the body of a man, aged in his 70s, was found. Enquiries are ongoing to notify his next of kin.

'A post-mortem examination will commence on 29 July at Queen’s Hospital Mortuary.

'The cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as suspicious. Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether the fire in Oval Road North may be linked to any other incidents.

'A male has been arrested in connection with the investigation. He has been taken into police custody where he remains.

'Anyone with information or any witnesses are asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 5619/27Jul. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.'