A MURDER investigation is underway following the death of a woman after a fire in New Cross this morning.

The woman, who is in her 40s, was rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus from a maisonette in Fern Court, New Cross, at around 5.30am.

She was taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation but she was pronounced dead at 7.10am.

Firefighters also rescued a teenager from a first floor window.

She was taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation and is critically ill in a specialist burns unit.

Neither woman has been identified by the police.

A post-mortem has not yet been arranged.

Crews from New Cross and Lewisham fire stations were called to the incident at 5.32am and had it under control by 6.35am.

The cause of the blaze is being investigated by the police and fire brigade.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

  • A 39-year-old man was arrested at around noon and is in custody at a south London police station.