A pensioner who died in a suspected arson attack in Dagenham, east London, has been named by Metropolitan Police as Robert Price.
Price, 76, died from inhalation of fire fumes and burns after a blaze ripped through a house on Oval North Road on Saturday just after 5.40pm.
After firefighters forced entry to the property, Robert’s body was found and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death is being treated as a murder.
Robert’s family have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers, the Met said on Thursday.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder and arson with intent to engender life.
He appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.
Another man who was arrested in connection with the investigation has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as suspicious. Police continue to appeal for witnesses and information in relation to this incident.
“If you were in the area of Oval Road North between 17:00hrs-18:00hrs on Saturday, 27 July and saw the incident or the events surrounding the incident then please get in touch,” the Met said.
“Any drivers who were passing through the area around that time and may have captured anything on dash cam are also urged to contact police.”
