A murder inquiry has been launched after a suspected arson attack in London killed a woman and left a baby boy in a critical condition, the Metropolitan police said today.

The 17-month-old boy, who is in a specialist burns unit, was rescued by neighbours who forced entry to the woman's fourth-floor flat in Southwark, south London, early today.

The woman, believed to be in her late 30s, was brought out of the flat by firefighters but they were unable to resuscitate her.

Police have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the blaze.

"We're keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anyone leaving the block around this time, or any vehicle arriving or departing," detective chief inspector Carl Mehta said.

"We also ask anyone who may have heard or seen a disturbance at the address to come forward," he added.

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