POLICE have made a renewed appeal for help in identifying the victim of a fatal fire on New Year's Day.

The emergency services were called at 5:20am to the blaze in a flat above a shop at 353 High Road, Ilford.

Investigating officers have yet to confirm the identity of one of the two men who were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police believe the man was of Indian origin with a dark complexion and a slim build, spoke Punjabi and was about 5'7” tall.

It is also thought he used the name 'Jessie', was under the age of 30 and has spent the night at the property.

The other man is believed to be the occupant, age 51, but build are awaiting confirmation.

The Fire Service rescued a 56-year-old woman, who was taken to King George Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. She has since been discharged.

Post-mortems are due to take place at King George today (January 5).

Police are not treating the fire as suspicious but are appealing for help in identifying the younger of the two men.

Anyone with information should contact DS Simon Giles at Ilford CID on 020 8345 2714.