UPDATE: Detectives investigating fatal fire in Dagenham make second arrest

Detectives investigating a fatal fire in Dagenham have made a second arrest this evening.

[B] aged 17, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.

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. The man's family have been informed. Officers await formal identification.

A post-mortem examination began today, Monday 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.

Another male, [A] who was arrested in connection with the investigation, was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

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