Boy killed in arson attack on home

A murder probe has been launched after a sevenyear-old boy was killed in a deliberate arson attack on his family’s house.

Joel Urhie was found dead after the blaze in Deptford, south-east London, while his mother, Sophie, and 19-year-old sister escaped by jumping out of a first floor window.

They are recovering in hospital, with nonlife threatening injuries, where they were joined by Joel’s brother Sam, 21.

Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan said detectives believe the fire was started deliberately and police have launched a murder investigation.

She said there are currently no suspects and the motive for the attack is unknown but it is not thought Joel was the target.

“It is difficult to imagine a seven-year-old is the motive for the attack, especially at 3am,” she said.

Appealing for information, she added: “An innocent seven-year-old boy has lost his life in what should have been the safest place for him, his home.

“We’re treating this as a murder investigation.

“We believe that the fire was started deliberately but at this stage I am unable to go into any further detail due to operational reasons.

Around 35 firefighters tackled the blaze after they were called at 3.25am on Tuesday. Neighbour Grace Gbenedio, 56, said she held Mrs Urhie and asked her where Joel was, and she said: “My son is inside, my son is inside.”