The victim who was found dead in a flat during a fire is believed to be a schoolgirl, locals have suggested.

Despite this, the Metropolitan Police says there are no updates to share and will not share the person’s age at this time after a fire broke out in Tollgate Road, Beckton, just before 5.30pm yesterday (April 6).

The Met described the victim as a “female” and the London Fire Brigade says she was pronounced dead at the scene after found inside one of the flats.

Five other people were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

Various social media posts seen by the Recorder pay tribute to a teenage girl, who is claimed to be the female who died.

Newham Recorder: A cordon in place at Beckton after the fireA cordon in place at Beckton after the fire (Image: PA)

In the comments one person wrote “I could barely sleep at night”.

Another person called the alleged girl a “beautiful person inside and out” and described her as “funny and loving”.

A spokesperson for the Met said: "One male has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing."

Newham Recorder: Pictures show the fire spreading in BecktonPictures show the fire spreading in Beckton (Image: UGC)

According to the London Fire Brigade, the first and second floors of a residential block were alight, along with the staircase form the first to second floor.

There were six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from East Ham, Plaistow, Barking and surrounding stations.

Just after 5.20pm, emergency services were alerted to a building block on fire on Tollgate Road, E6.

The stairwell of the ground floor to the second floor, as well as half of the second floor, was damaged by the blaze.

Newham Recorder: A cordon was in place in Beckton after the fireA cordon was in place in Beckton after the fire (Image: PA)

Sources have told the Recorder that they witnessed “panicked” people “Jumping out of windows” as the blaze spread.

The brigade said that the cause of the fire is under investigation by police and the brigade.

Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, said on Twitter: “Along with cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Amar Virdee, we are deeply saddened by the news that there has been one fatality already from the fire that broke out in flats in Beckton.

“Our deepest condolences to loved ones now in mourning.”

A road closure was in place on Tollgate Road and restrictions were also in place on Bradley Stone Road and Valiant Way.