A man has been arrested after a pensioner was found dead by firefighters extinguishing a blaze.

Emergency services were called to Oval Road North, Dagenham, at around 5.40pm on Saturday (July 27) to reports of a house fire.

Five fire engines and around 30 firefighters attended and after forcing entry into the property, the body of a man, aged in his 70s, was found.

Half of the ground floor of a mid-terraced house was damaged by flames.

Enquiries are ongoing to notify the man's next of kin.

A post-mortem examination will take place on Tuesday (July 29) at Queen’s Hospital Mortuary.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but is being treated as suspicious, Scotland Yard said.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether the fire in Oval Road North may be linked to any other incidents.

A man has been arrested in connection with the investigation. He has been taken into police custody where he remains.

It is the third fire in Dagenham in two days.

On Friday (July 26) 100 firefighters tackled a row of six homes in Third Avenue that were damaged by flames. 

At 1.37pm the following day, four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended a house fire in Beam Avenue.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall said: “Following three separate fires in just over 24 hours in Dagenham, I’d like to reassure residents that London Fire Brigade will be in the community offering support and advice where needed.

"I'd also like to express my thoughts are with all those who have been directly impacted by these events.

“We acknowledge that the close proximity of all of these incidents will concern local residents.

"There is nothing to suggest that these incidents are connected at this time but we will ensure that investigations into the causes of these fires are thorough, which includes working alongside our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police."

“Local crews have been out engaging with residents, including promoting the Brigade’s Home Fire Safety Checker, and this will continue over the coming days.

“We will also be working with partners, including Barking & Dagenham Council, to support the community during this difficult time.”

Anyone with information or any witnesses should call police on 101, quoting reference 5619/27Jul. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.