POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after a woman died following a house fire in New Cross.

The 47-year-old, who has been named as Diane Carrington, was rescued by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus from a maisonette in Fern Court, New Cross, at around 5.30am yesterday (October 4).

She was taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation but she was pronounced dead at 7.10am.

A post mortem is due to be held today at Greenwich mortuary.

Firefighters also rescued a teenager from a first floor window.

She was taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation and is in intensive care in a specialist burns unit.

Her condition is described as critical but stable.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Phil Adams said: "During the latter part of the evening and into the early hours of the morning leading up to the fire we believe that there were still a number of people in the area who may have seen or heard something.

"Some of these people have come forward but I would urge the ones that haven't done so as yet to do so as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • A 39-year-old man was arrested at around noon yesterday and is in custody at a south London police station.