Three women are being sought by police who are investigating a fatal fire in New Malden.

Fire crews were called to the house in Van Dyck Avenue, at 9.20pm on Friday.

Police said they are treating the fire as suspicious. The victim, who was rescued by firefighters, died soon after at hospital.

Police are trying to trace three Oriental women who were seen fleeing the property accompanied by two children soon after fire broke out.

An Oriental man, who was seen leaving the house shortly before the blaze, is also being sought, police said.

Detective Inspector Nick Mervin said: "We urgently need to trace the women and children as they may have been hurt by the fire and need treatment.

"They also may be able to assist us in identifying the deceased," he added.