Joel Urhie (pictured) was found dead in Deptford, south-east London on Tuesday
Police investigating the death of a seven-year-old boy found dead after a blaze at the family home have arrested two men on suspicion of murder.
Joel Urhie was found dead in Deptford, south-east London on Tuesday, while his mother Sophie and 19-year-old sister Sarah escaped by jumping out of a first-floor window.
Scotland Yard said two men, aged 21 and 29, were arrested at residential addresses in south London.
They were arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life, and have been taken to a south London police station, where they remain on Saturday evening.
Police said on Wednesday that Joel’s sister had been released from hospital, where her mother is still being treated.
A post-mortem found the cause of Joel’s death was ‘consistent with fire and smoke inhalation’, police said.
Mourners including Joel’s uncle left floral tributes, cards, soft toys and balloons at the scene, while the doors and windows of the house were secured with metal shutters.
The boy’s aunt, Ruth Urhie, said his mother is still in hospital, while his sister, who has been discharged, is staying with old friends.
Ruth Urhie, who is Joel’s father John’s older sister, added: ‘I was with him yesterday. He’s fine but he’s still in shock.’
Police carry out inquiries into the death of Joel Urhie in a suspected arson attack in London
Family friend Grace Gbenedio, 56, said neighbours hope someone will come forward with information to help catch whoever started the blaze.
She said: ‘I just pray they catch the people. That person who did it is not human. ‘How can somebody do that?’
A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said the death was ‘definitely gang-related, 100 per cent’.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley earlier said police were keeping an ‘open mind concerning motive’ to the murder and that speculation about the incident ‘is not helpful’.
He appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
‘This horrific incident has left a family shattered and the tragic loss of such a young life in suspicious circumstances resonates throughout the community in Deptford,’ he said.
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