Police release two men arrested on suspicion of murder over ‘gang revenge arson attack’ that killed seven-year-old Joel Urhie
- Joel Urhi, seven, was found dead in Deptford, south-east London on August 7
- Mother Sophie and 19-year-old sister Sarah escaped by jumping out of a window
- Two male suspects, aged 21 and 29, have now been released under investigation
- Releasing under investigation allows police to recall them for indefinite period
Joel Urhie (pictured) was found dead in Deptford, south-east London on Tuesday
Two men arrested on suspicion of starting the fire that killed seven-year-old Joel Urhie have been released under investigation.
The men, aged 21 and 29, were arrested on Saturday morning on suspicion of murder, arson with intent to endanger life and attempted murder.
Joel was found dead in Deptford, south-east London last Tuesday, while his mother Sophie and 19-year-old sister Sarah escaped by jumping out of a first-floor window.
Both needed hospital treatment following the fire which erupted at around 3am.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘Police investigating the death of seven-year-old Joel Urhie following a fire at a residential address in Adolphus Street, Deptford, on Tuesday, 7 August, have made two arrests.
‘Two men, aged 21 and 29, were arrested on the morning of Saturday, 11 August at residential addresses in south London.
‘They were arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life. They were taken to a south London police station.
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‘They have subsequently been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
‘Police continue to ask anyone with information to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’
Rather than bail, releasing under investigation allows the police to recall them for an indefinite period.
Police said on Wednesday that Joel’s sister had been released from hospital, where her mother is still being treated.
A post-mortem found the cause of Joel’s death was ‘consistent with fire and smoke inhalation’, police said.
Mourners including Joel’s uncle left floral tributes, cards, soft toys and balloons at the scene, while the doors and windows of the house were secured with metal shutters.
The boy’s aunt, Ruth Urhie, said his mother is still in hospital, while his sister, who has been discharged, is staying with old friends.
Police carry out inquiries into the death of Joel Urhie in a suspected arson attack in London
Ruth Urhie, who is Joel’s father John’s older sister, added: ‘I was with him yesterday. He’s fine but he’s still in shock.’
Family friend Grace Gbenedio, 56, said neighbours hope someone will come forward with information to help catch whoever started the blaze.
She said: ‘I just pray they catch the people. That person who did it is not human. ‘How can somebody do that?’
A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said the death was ‘definitely gang-related, 100 per cent’.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley earlier said police were keeping an ‘open mind concerning motive’ to the murder and that speculation about the incident ‘is not helpful’.
He appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
‘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,’ he said.
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