A murder probe has been launched after a grandmother died in a house fire in south London.
Eulin Hastings, 74, was dragged from the blaze at the semi-detached house in South Norwood, Croydon, on Tuesday.
Close friend Margaret Birusingh described Ms Hastings as the “most caring and loving person”.
She told the Croydon Advertiser: "She was the most loving and caring person, very family orientated and devoted to church.
"She used to send me inspirational quotes over text most days, and I would send her one back.
"She was born on February 14 so I used to call her 'My Valentine'."
A 26-year-old man was later arrested after climbing down from the roof of an address in Davidson Road following a five-hour stand-off with police.
Officers had initially been called to reports of a burglary by residents who described seeing a man with a knife, Scotland Yard said.
Detectives have now confirmed that they believe the two incidents are linked.
The man is currently being held at a south London police station on suspicion of murder and burglary.
A post-mortem examination into Ms Hastings' death took place on Wednesday but a cause of death could not be determined and officers await further test results.
Police are urging anyone with any information to come forward.
A spokesman said: “At this early stage detectives believe that the murder and the burglary are linked and enquiries are underway to establish the circumstances that led to her death and the burglary.
“The man remains in custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder and burglary.
“Both incidents occurred during the middle of the afternoon and there is a possibility that someone may have seen something that could assist detectives with their investigation.”
Anyone who witnessed or has any information about either incident is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4805, or police via 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
