The man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene of the blaze in Croydon, south London, at around 8pm. Four fire engines, transporting around 25 firefighters, rushed to the detached property and remain at the scene to investigate its cause.

       London Fire Brigade said today: "Two people sadly died in a house fire in Addiscombe (east Croydon) last night."

       The ground floor of the detached house has been damaged by the fire, reports My London.

       Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found the man and woman inside the building but they and paramedics were unable to save them.

       One police officer has been spotted guarding the door into the property on Windmere Road this morning (Thursday January 6). No tape is in place yet down the quiet cul-de-sac.

       The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service.

       Two people were killed in a fire at a block of flats in Reading, Berkshire, last week.

       Thames Valley Police are investigating the blaze.