Other News In Brief

Two Die In 'Suspicious' Fire

Two people have been killed in a 'suspicious' fire at a flat in south-east London. London fire brigade was called to a property in Sterling Gardens late on Sunday evening. It is understood that the two victims were already dead at the scene. A spokeswoman from the Metropolitan Police says an investigation is underway to establish the identity if the victims so that their families can be informed. The spokeswoman said officers were "keeping an open mind" regarding the cause of the inferno. "We are trying to establish the identities of the deceased and await to inform next of kin and for formal identification to take place." She added that "the fire is being treated as suspicious at this stage".

Five Escape Blaze

Four men and a woman have jumped to safety from a first floor window as a fire swept through a shop in Tooting. London Fire Brigade said that a two-storey building in Rostella Road was "substantially damaged" in the blaze which broke out at about 5am, including most of the first floor and the internal stairs. It is reported that Asad Duman, 28, and Sophia, 24, were two of the survivors and had lived at the property for two years. Mr Duman is quoted as saying: "It was just a panic - we were in a deep sleep and the fire alarm woke us up - there was smoke everywhere. "We didn't know what to do so we jumped out the window." It is understood only one man sustained injuries and was taken to hospital with minor leg and ankle injuries. A witness, Brian Wilknes, of Alston Road said he was woken by "screaming and shouting" and that the occupants were "hanging out the windows shouting". "Thank goodness they're all safe to tell the tale," he said. It is understood that the occupants were alerted by a smoke alarm fitted free by the London Fire Brigade staff under its 'Be Safe and Sound Programme'. Four fire engines and over 20 firefighters tackled the blaze. Crews from Tooting, Mitcham and Wimbledon fire stations attended the incident.

(DS)