‘Angry man’ outside home where boy, 7, died in suspicious blaze

A MAN was seen shouting in the street hours before a seven-year-old boy died in what is suspected to be a targeted attack.

A neighbour of Joel Urhie, who was killed in a fire that gutted his house in Deptford, south-east London, on Tuesday, spoke yesterday of how he saw a “p----d off ” man shouting in the street shortly before the blaze.

Peter Hill claimed to have heard the raised voice in Adolphus Street, where the youngster lost his life hours later.

His mother, Sophie, and 19-year-old sister, Sarah, escaped by jumping out of a first-floor window. They were taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries and were joined by Joel’s brother, Sam, 21.

Detectives believe Joel’s family home was set alight in a targeted attack and launched an investigation into the fire.

Mr Hill said: “It was a male grown-up bloke, shouting his head off. He sounded aggrieved, p-----d off with someone. He was very unhappy.

“I couldn’t make out what he was saying, and I didn’t hear anyone else’s voice. I’m not certain what time it was, I didn’t take a note, but it might have been around 2am.”

Appealing for witnesses to come forward, Det Chief Insp Mark Wrigley said: “This horrific incident has left a family shattered and the tragic loss of such a young life in suspicious circumstances resonates throughout the community in Deptford.

“Officers are working hard to establish the circumstances of the fire and continue to follow a number of lines of inquiry. At this early stage, we retain an open mind concerning motive. At this early stage in the investigation speculation is not helpful.”

CCTV footage that may hold clues to Joel’s death was seized from a neighbouring property while police continue to conduct door-to-door inquiries.

Joel’s sister was discharged from hospital yesterday.