Romford fire death: Two teens charged with fatal east-London blaze

8 January 2022

News image — Josephine Smith, 88, died following a fire inside a residential home in east London in October

Met Police Josephine Smith — Josephine Smith, 88, died following a fire inside a residential home in east London in October

Two teenagers have appeared in court following the death of an 88-year-old woman in Romford, east London.

Josephine Smith died following a fire inside a residential address in Queen's Park Road on 28 October.

Following an investigation, the Met Police charged Kai Cooper, 18, of Leatherhead, Surrey, and a 15-year-old boy, from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, with manslaughter and arson.

The pair were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

They also appeared on assault charges relating to a different incident on Ilford High Road on 27 October.

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