A murder arrest has been made after a pensioner, 70, was found dead following a house fire.

Police arrested a second person, a 17-year-old, on suspicion of murder after a house fire on Oval Road North, Dagenham, at about 5.40pm on Saturday (July 27).

Firefighters forced entry into a property and found the body of a 70-year-old man, whose family have since been informed of the death.

"The fire is believed to be suspicious," police said, prompting an investigation alongside the London Fire Brigade.

RELATED NEWS: Oval Road North, Dagenham fire: Man, 70s, died, man arrested

Another male, arrested in connection with the fire, was released on bail pending further enquiries.

A post-mortem began on Monday (July 29) at Queen's Hospital mortuary in Romford.

The blaze on Oval Road North may be linked to other fires, police said.

Anyone with information or any witnesses has been asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 5619/27Jul.

To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers.