Detectives believe a suspected burglary and the death of a woman following house fire in South Norwood are linked.

A murder investigation has now been launched following the fire in Birchanger Road on Tuesday afternoon.

A post-mortem examination took place on Wednesday, January 11, but the cause of death could not be determined and officers await further test results.

Formal identification has now taken place and the deceased has been named as 74-year-old Eulin Hastings.

Prior to the incident, police were called at around 3pm to reports of a suspected burglary in nearby Davidson Road.

Officers attended the scene and a man, who was in possession of a knife, was seen to flee from the property.

He was located in the vicinity of Davidson Road and was seen to climb on the roofs of a number of properties.

The 26-year-old man, who came down from the roof after officers cornered him in nearby Christie Drive at about 8.05pm, was arrested.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "At this early stage in the investigation, detectives believe the murder and the burglary are linked.

"Enquiries are underway to establish the circumstances that led to her death and the burglary."

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn, are investigating and are appealing for witnesses and information.

"The man remains in custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder and burglary," a spokeswoman for the Met added.

"Both incidents occurred during the middle of the afternoon and there is a possibility someone may have seen something that could assist detectives with their investigation."

Anyone who witnessed or has any information about either incident is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4805, or police via 101