The London Fire Brigade attended alongside officers and the London Ambulance Service – and found a tent fully ablaze (Picture: TfLTrafficNews)

One man has died and another is fighting for life after a tent was reportedly set on fire beside the A406.

Police were called at around 11.45pm on Tuesday to reports of a fire on land next to the southbound carriageway.

The London Fire Brigade attended alongside officers and the London Ambulance Service – and reportedly found a tent fully ablaze.

Two men, believed to be homeless and aged in their 40s, had ran onto the road after suffering burns and were taken to hospital.


Sadly, one of the men died on Wednesday.

Police were called at around 11.45pm on Tuesday to reports of a fire on land next to the southbound carriageway (Picture: Google)

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on June 22.



The second man remains in hospital in a critical condition, according to the Ilford Recorder.

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A police spokesperson said: ‘Enquiries are continuing as to the cause of the fire, which is currently being treated as suspicious.

‘The identity of both victims remains unknown at this stage. Officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are now investigating.’

Detective Sergeant Ian Valentine, said: ‘We are working hard to establish the circumstances that led to this fatal fire and we believe the public can assist us with our investigation.

‘We know that after the fire started, two men came out onto the A406 in an attempt to seek assistance from passing drivers.

‘Anyone who believes they may have seen these two people on the verge or stopped to speak to them is urged to contact us.

‘In particular we are keen to hear from anyone who has any relevant dashcam footage.’

Two men – no further details – have been arrested on suspicion of arson and attempted murder; both remain in custody at an east London police station.

Anyone with information should call 101 with CAD reference 9090/18JUN.