Detectives investigating the murder of a seven-year-old boy in a house fire are considering whether the arson attack is linked to a gang dispute.

What happened

Joel Urhie was found dead early on Tuesday (August 7) morning after a blaze in Adolphus Street in Deptford.

His mum Sophie and sister, 19, escaped the fire after jumping from a first-floor window.

Joel’s brother Sam, 21, joined them after they were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The fire brigade was called at 3.25am and the fatal fire was under control by 4.48am. The ground floor of the house was badly damaged along with the whole first floor and the stairs from the ground.

Around 35 firefighters tackled the blaze made up of crews from Deptford, Greenwich, New Cross, Lewisham, East Greenwich and Peckham fire stations.

A murder probe has been launched as police believe the fire was started deliberately.

READ MORE - 'Loud screams' heard from Deptford house where 7-year-old boy was killed in fire

What police have said

The motive for the attack is unknown but one line of inquiry is the attack was gang-related.

Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan said she does not believe Joel was the target of the attack.

She said: “An innocent seven-year-old boy has lost his life in what should have been the safest place for him, his home.

"We're treating this as a murder investigation.

"We believe that the fire was started deliberately but at this stage I am unable to go into any further detail due to operational reasons.”

No suspects have been identified at this stage.

What reaction to the tragedy has been

After the death of his son, John Urhie, 54, said of Joel: "He was a very lovely boy who was just loving life and it's a terrible loss.

"He played with everyone around here. He was a very nice looking boy. It's terrible, the pain we can never forget."

READ MORE - Dad of little boy 'murdered' in Deptford house fire describes his heartbreak

Local carpenter, Mcklushia Myles, 36, said the victim was "like a son" to him.

He said: "I saw him every day. My son is the same age, they were best friends.

"He's like family. He was always so happy.

"I slept through it. I didn't even know it happened until the neighbours came knocking on the door.

"It's unbelievable to know that he's gone. My head is all over the place. I'm trying to calm down."

Anyone with information on this fire is requested to call police on 101 quoting CAD 933/07Aug or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

READ MORE - ‘It has shaken us all’: Lewisham Council issue statement after murder of little boy in fire