A man in his 70s has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after the death of a woman following a fire in Bromley.
A flat on the first floor of a three-storey block of retirement apartments in Reigate Road was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of Friday morning.
Some 40 firefighters battled the blaze after being called to the scene at 4.22am.
The fire was under control by 5.54am but a woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and one person taken to hospital.
The Metropolitan Police said a man in his 70s, from Bromley, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
A spokeperson said: “Police were called to Reigate Road, Bromley at 04:22hrs on Friday, 23 May, following a report of a fire at a supported living facility.
“Officers attended with the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
“A woman in her 60s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“Two people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. One person was taken to hospital, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
“The cause of the fire is being investigated and the suspect remains in custody.”
Six fire engines from Lee Green, Bromley, Lewisham and Forest Hill fire stations attended the scene.
The London Fire Brigade also said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
