Tragic: Mariama Kamara perished in the house fire
(Picture: Supplied)Police have launched a murder probe after a “kind and caring” community nurse died in a house fire in Brixton.
Mariama Kamara, 46, died in a fire at her terraced home in Railton Road in the early hours of Monday morning.
Firefighters found Mrs Kamara unresponsive inside the two-storey house where she had lived since moving to London from Sierra Leone in 1994, and she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A 47-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday evening, and remain in custody.
Police on Thursday urged anyone who might have information about Mrs Kamara’s death to contact them.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood, leading the investigation, said: "This is a tragic incident and my thoughts are with the woman's family and friends as they come to terms with their loss.
"A dedicated team of investigators are working to establish the circumstances leading up to the fire and I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area in the early hours of Monday and may have seen or heard anything suspicious.
"I recognise the impact this will have on the community and I would like to reassure the public that our enquiries so far have found nothing to suggest there is any wider risk."
Relatives have paid tribute to Mrs Kamara as “a very caring person who lived for her family”.
The 46-year-old had recently established a magazine to keep Brixton’s thriving Sierra Leone community connected with people in Africa.
A cousin, who did not want to be named, told the Standard earlier this week: “She was beautiful and caring and so helpful. She was a community nurse and absolutely loved her job.”
They added: “She was always a calm and subtle presence. She was always stunning, that woman was amazing.”
The London Fire Brigade said half of the first floor was completely destroyed by the fatal fire.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is being asked to call the major incident room on 020 8649 0424.
Alternatively call 101 quoting CAD 724/24Jan or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
