POLICE investigating a house fire which killed a woman say they are treating her death as "unexplained".

The 27-year-old died on Tuesday evening (January 5) at around 9.30pm following the blaze at her home in Palmerston Road, Walthamstow.

A post mortem has today revealed she died of burns and smoke inhalation.

A police spokeswoman said it was too early to say whether the fire was an accident or was started deliberately.

Forensic officers have today returned to the scene, which is close to the junction with Melbourne Road near Forest Road, and investigations are on-going.

The house is under guard and a police cordon around the property remains in place.

It is believed that the woman lived in the house with her husband, his brother, the brother's wife and children belonging to both couples.

It is understood that no-one else was in the property when the blaze broke out, and no-one else was injured.

Fire-fighters say they were called to the scene at around 8.45pm and that the fire was under control by 9.10pm.

One neighbour reported hearing a loud bang at around the time of the blaze.

Meanwhile more neighbours have spoken of their shock and sadness at what happened.

Babu 'Bobby' Bharadwa, who owns Colin's Stores convenience store opposite the house, said: "It's very upsetting. The whole road looks dull now that this has happened.

"I've been here for 30 years and this is the worst thing that has ever happened in the street.

"They were a quiet family and kept to themselves, but they are very nice. Her boys come into my shop and the husband too, but I never saw much of her.

"Everyone in the road is talking about it and wants to know what happened but the police haven't said much."

The woman's next of kin have been informed.

It was earlier reported that the woman was aged 26. Police now say her age was 27.

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