A FIRE at a block of flats in New Cross in which a man died has sparked a murder inquiry.

Emergency services were called to the flats in Avonley Road at 1pm yesterday (September 8), where they found the body of a man on the second floor.

Firefighters helped several people to safety from the Filton Court flats but the man, believed to be in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not yet identified the man but say they are treating his death as suspicious.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place today at Greenwich mortuary.

A second man, aged 51, was rescued from the fire and taken to hospital where he was later arrested in connection with the police inquiry.

Anyone with information should call the Incident Room on 020 8721 4155, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.