Picture of 'arson' boy

This is the nine-year-old boy who died in a suspected arson attack on a house in south London.

The body of Emojeffe Okobia, known as Effie, was found by firefighters in a rear bedroom at his home.

His sister Yorhe, 13, leapt from a first-floor window and is being treated for burns and smoke inhalation in hospital where her condition is stable.

Officers believe the fire was started deliberately after it emerged that an arsonist had targeted the house in Lewisham less than two weeks ago.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that Effie was the innocent victim of a feud between street gangs.

His aunt, Rose Kedo, said: "He was such a gentle and lovely little boy. This is unbelievable. He came round to my house with his dad at the weekend. That was the last time I saw him."

The two children were alone when the fire started. Their mother, Ejiro, is a mental health nurse and was at work. She is separated from their father Charles, who lives nearby.

Scotland Yard have appealed for help in tracing an 18- or 19-year-old youth seen running from the scene at 3am on Tuesday. A post mortem revealed that Effie died from smoke inhalation.

On 16 June petrol was poured through the letterbox of the home but was not lit. Effie's mother woke at 3am believing she could smell gas and reported the attack to police.

Anyone with information about the incident can call police on 020 8721 4111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.