Police cornered a suspected burglar who climbed onto a roof in South Norwood.

The incident unfolded as officers chased the suspect, who was carrying a knife, at about 3pm this afternoon in Davidson Road.

One witness said the suspect then clambered from the roof and was sitting on the roof of a garage in Christie Drive.

Police have since confirmed the suspect has climbed down from the roof and has been arrested.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police were called at 3pm to reports of a [suspected] burglary in Davidson Road, Croydon.

"A man was seen fleeing from the property. He was in possession of a knife.

"He was seen climbing onto a roof."

Eyewitness Achuthan Vignes, manager of a nearby shop, said: "One by one, police cars just kept arriving on Davidson Road. They are still blocking the road. 

"I was told houses were broken into behind this place."

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed the 401 bus service was on diversion due to the police incident. 

A woman died in a separate incident in nearby Birchanger Road following a house fire.

Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade were called to an address in the street - where the woman was prounounced dead at 4pm.

No arrests have been made and the her death is being treated as unexplained.

A Met spokeswoman said: "Police were called at approximately 3.15pm on Tuesday, 10 January by London Fire Brigade to a report of fire at an address in Birchanger Road.

"Officers, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

"A woman was pronounced dead at the scene at 16:00hrs. Next of kin have not been informed."

Enquiries are underway to establish the cause of the fire. Read the full story here.

Did you see what happened? Contact the newsroom on 0208 7226363 or email sean.morrison@london.newsquest.co.uk