Arson probe: Two held on suspicion of murder after woman, 46, dies in Brixton house fire

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 46-year-old woman died in a house fire on a Brixton street.

The victim, who has been named locally as Mariama Kamara, was pulled from the burning building by firefighters in the early hours of Monday, January 24, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say a 17-year-old youth and a man, aged 47, were arrested on suspicion of murder last night, Wednesday, January 26, in connection with the incident.

Both suspects remain in police custody.

The murder investigation was launched after 999 crews were called to the two-storey property in Railton Road, Brixton, south London, just after 4am on Monday.

Det Ch Insp Chris Wood, who is leading the investigation, said: “A 46-year-old woman was found unresponsive inside the property and later pronounced dead at the scene.

“Following enquiries, the death is being treated as suspicious and officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are investigating.

“A 47-year-old man and a 17-year-old male were arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday evening.

“They remain in custody.”

Det Ch Insp Wood added: “This is a tragic incident and my thoughts are with the woman’s family and friends as they come to terms with their loss.

“A dedicated team of investigators are working to establish the circumstances leading up to the fire and I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area in the early hours of Monday and may have seen or heard anything suspicious.

“I recognise the impact this will have on the community and I would like to reassure the public that our enquiries so far have found nothing to suggest there is any wider risk.”

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Firefighters tackled a fire at a mid-terraced, two-storey house where half of the first floor was completely destroyed by the fire.

“Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus rescued a woman from the first floor of the property, sadly she died at the scene.

“Two men managed to leave the property before the brigade arrived and did not sustain any injuries.

“The brigade was called at 4.08am and four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended.

“The fire was under control by 5.03am. Fire crews from Acton, Clapham, Peckham and West Norwood fire stations attended the scene.”

Did you know Mariama Kamara? Contact LondonWorld reporter Jessica Frank-Keyes on [email protected]