Joel Urhie died at the family home after a burning package was pushed through the letterbox in Adolphus Street, Deptford,
(Picture: PA)The mother of a seven-year-old boy murdered in an arson attack four years ago has issued a plea for justice, warning his killers could strike again.
Joel Urhie died at the family home after a burning package was pushed through the letterbox in Adolphus Street, Deptford, on August 7, 2018.
His mother and sister, who was then 19, escaped by jumping out of a first-floor window when the blaze took hold in the early hours. Joel’s body was found in the upstairs bedroom Iroroefe O Edu shared with her son.
A post-mortem examination found that his death was consistent with fire and smoke inhalation.
Three men aged 21, 22 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and released under investigation in August 2020.
Joel’s mother said today: “It’s four years since Joel died due to the fire thrown in the house. Up until now, the perpetrators of this atrocity have not been unearthed.
“If you have any information or know anything, or anyone, who may be responsible for causing the fire, can you come forward please? With you coming forward, it will prevent the people responsible from doing the same thing to another family.
“Joel was in his own house that is supposed to be a safe environment for him, when the fire that claimed his life happened. He was only seven.”
Police investigated the possibility that Joel’s brother Sam, 21, a convicted drug dealer, might have been the intended target of the attack.
Detective chief inspector Mark Rogers said: “This Sunday marks four years since a young boy’s life was tragically taken. Our thoughts are with Joel’s family, and we will continue to provide them with the support they need.
“Joel and his family should have been planning for him to go to secondary school next month. They will not have the opportunity to do what many other families will be doing at such a defining moment in a child’s life.
“Someone knows why this happened. I would ask that you search your conscience and do what is right. Joel’s family deserve answers, and an explanation as to why his future was stolen from him.
“Our investigation will not stop, and I would urge anyone who has information, regardless of how small or insignificant you might think it to be, to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the dedicated incident room on 020 8345 371.
