Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb, leading the investigation for the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “We believe that there may have been an incident outside the address in Forest Road before the fire started and I am very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed something or perhaps has doorbell or dashcam footage.

“The men who died in the fire have been identified and we are supporting their families.”

Police were called at 10.24pm on Sunday, 21 April to a fire at a residential address in Forest Road, E17.

Officers attended alongside colleagues from the London Fire Brigade.

Firefighters extinguished the flames and sadly two men, aged 35 and 24, were found dead inside the property.

Detectives believe that the fire was started deliberately and a murder investigation is under way.

There have been no arrests at this time.

DCI Webb added: “Two people’s lives have been cut short as a result of this fire and we are determined to find those responsible. If you have heard something or have information about this incident please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD7022/21Apr.

You can also provide information 100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.