Police have launched an investigation into a fatal fire in a block of flats in south London after a five-year-old boy died.
Firefighters rescued a woman and two children from the top floor of the building and all three were taken to hospital on Saturday morning.
One child died shortly before 8am while the woman, 34, and the second child remain in a serious condition.
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.
“Part of the top floor of a split-level maisonette was damaged by the fire,” the London Fire Brigade said.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a woman and two children from the top the floor of the property.
“They have all been taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews, where sadly one of the children passed away.”
The Metropolitan Police’s 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.”
The 34-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy remain in hospital in a serious condition.
The family of the injured have been informed of the incident and are being supported by specialist liaison officers.
