A WOMAN who died in a house fire has been formally identified.

Fiza Asif, 27, died on January 4 after a blaze at her home in Palmerston Road, Walthamstow.

A post mortem initially found she died of burns and smoke inhalation, but further tests proved inconclusive.

An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned on January 11.

Police said today they were no closer to solving her 'unexplained' death.

They added they are looking at the possibility that the fire was started deliberately.

Detectives have opened an incident room while they investigate the cause of the fire.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Rickell said: "My thoughts and sympathies go out to the family who have lost a loved one in this tragic incident.

"A comprehensive fire and forensic investigation continues at the scene and will continue for some time."

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area between 8.20pm and 9pm on Tuesday January 4 and has any information about the fire or noticed any vehicles or people in the area to contact the incident room on 020 8345 1570 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter