Tributes are coming in after the murder of a seven-year-old boy in a house fire in Deptford, including from his school.

Joel Urhie was found dead after an arson attack at his family home in Adolphus Street on Tuesday (August 7) morning.

READ MORE - Everything we know so far about the arson murder of little Joel Urhie in Dept

Little Joel was a pupil at nearby Tidemill Academy.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “We were deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Joel Urhie, one of our Year 2 pupils.

“Joel was a much-loved member of our school community - he was a friendly, fun and smiley boy who loved to make people laugh.

“He enjoyed sport and reading. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this extremely difficult time.”

Floral tributes have also been left at the scene.

One card read: “Sleep tight with the angels Joel. Your beautiful smile will be remembered forever.”

Another card in children’s handwriting said: “Sorry that you died. It's probably terrifying to be surrounded by fire."

Joel’s sister Sarah, 19, survived the fire after jumping out of the first-floor window before being treated in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

She has now been released from hospital and she took to Twitter to express her pain at losing her brother.

“Rest in paradise, I love you forever little bro,” read one message.

Another Tweet said: “Rest in perfect peace my amazing little brother Joel, nothing makes sense right now, I love you.”

Alex Hope, 29, who knew Joel’s brother Sam when they were growing up, said: “The mother is such a lovely person.

“It's just devastating. I would love to know what the actual reason is. No one deserves that and it's just a shame the little one passed away in such tragic circumstances.”

Police are investigating whether the murder was gang-related after it was confirmed the boy’s older brother is a convicted drug dealer who has just been released from prison.

READ MORE - Brother of little boy murdered in Deptford arson attack is convicted drug dealer