TWO men arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with a flat fire last night remained in custody.

A 53-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the blaze in Warren Drive, Crawley, shortly before 6pm on Wednesday.

The fire is believed to have happened in a bedroom on the first floor, and it did not spread to other rooms.

The men in custody, aged 55 and 37, were arrested at the property when police arrived.

Sussex Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

The woman’s death is being treated as suspicious. A cause of death has not yet been established, with a post-mortem will take place soon.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said fire crews doused what looked like burning bedding outside the flat on Wednesday.

A man who was taken from the property was also hosed down, he said.

The neighbour said: “It looked like he was covered in some sort of oil.

“He’s a young guy in his twenties and keeps himself to himself, sort of like he was trying to keep a low profile.

“There’s been a few more people coming and going from the house recently but I just assumed it was the football because it was around that sort of time.

“One minute everything was quiet, the next there were police, fire and ambulance here.

“The air ambulance landed about an hour later as well.”

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “The fire service was called to a report of a fire at a flat in Warren Drive, Crawley at 5.42pm on Wednesday afternoon.

“Two fire engines were sent.

“The fire was extinguished using one high pressure hose reel and two breathing apparatus.

“We left the scene at 6.02pm.”

Anyone with information about the fire should call Sussex Police on 101 or online at sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Brevis.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Their website is crimestoppers-uk.org.