Police investigating the death of a seven-year-old boy found dead after a blaze at the family home have arrested two men on suspicion of murder.

Joel Urhie was found dead in Deptford, south-east London on Tuesday, while his mother Sophie and 19-year-old sister Sarah escaped by jumping out of a first-floor window.

Scotland Yard said two men, aged 21 and 29, were arrested at residential addresses in south London.

They were arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life, and have been taken to a south London police station, where they remain on Saturday evening.

His father, John Urhie, told reporters at the scene: “It’s terrible, the pain we cannot forget.”

He added: “He played with everyone around here. He was a very nice looking boy.” 

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.