Lewisham Flat Fire Kills 12-Year-Old; Police Probe Cause

A 12-year-old boy died after a fire swept through a maisonette on Lewisham Road in south-east London late on Tuesday night, according to the Metropolitan Police. Emergency services were called at around 23:55 BST and pronounced the child dead at the scene. The London Fire Brigade dispatched ten fire engines and roughly 70 firefighters to tackle the blaze, which engulfed the ground- and first-floor flat. A 54-year-old woman was taken to hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening or life-changing. Detective Chief Inspector Danian Reid said officers are working with fire investigators to determine the cause of the incident, which is not believed to be suspicious at this stage. Neighbourhood officers remain in the area as inquiries continue and to provide support to residents.