By Emily Caulkett-
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a female was killed in a blaze.
Emergency services were called to a flat fire in Tollgate Road, Beckton, just before 5.30pm today
According to Metropolitan Police, a female died and a “number of others” were injured from the fire. Five other people were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crew
According to the London Fire Brigade, the first and second floors of a residential block were alight, along with the staircase form the first to second floor.
There were six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from East Ham, Plaistow, Barking and surrounding stations.
Just after 5.20pm today, emergency services were alerted to a building block on fire on Tollgate Road, E6. Frightened residents are said to have been jumping out of windows in a panic out of fear.
The precise cause of the fire is unknown, but arson is suspected.
One resident told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”there was panic everywhere. Many people immediately suspected arson and feared for their life.
A spokesperson for the force said: “One male has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”According to the London Fire Brigade, the first and second floors of a residential block were alight, along with the staircase form the first to second floor.
There were six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from East Ham, Plaistow, Barking and surrounding stations.
The brigade said that the cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, said on Twitter: “Along with cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Amar Virdee, we are deeply saddened by the news that there has been one fatality already from the fire that broke out in flats in Beckton.
“Our deepest condolences to loved ones now in mourning.”