A man was found dead on Monday after a house fire in Mitcham during the early hours of New Year’s Day.

About 40 firefighters tackled the blaze for more than an hour after being called to a property in Beecholme Avenue at 2.49am, London Fire Brigade said.

The semi-detached house was destroyed by the fire and a full search could not be carried out immediately.

On Monday, a body was recovered from the property but has not yet been formally identified, the Metropolitan Police said.

A second person was taken to hospital and has since been discharged, they said.

Six fire engines went to the scene and the blaze was under control by 4.28am.

The cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious. An investigation by the police and the fire brigade is under way.

The Met said in a statement: “At 2:49am on Saturday 1 January, police were called to a fire at a residential address in Beecholme Avenue, Mitcham.

“Due to concerns about the structural integrity of the building, it was not immediately possible for a full search to be conducted.

“On Monday 3 January, a body was recovered from the premises. Inquiries to identify the person are ongoing.

“At this stage the cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.