A double murder inquiry was launched today after the bodies of two men were found in the wreckage of a burnt-out flat in south London.

The fire brigade was called to the ground floor address in New Cross last night after neighbours reported hearing a loud bang at about 9.30pm.

Firefighters found the charred bodies as they were putting out the blaze.

Scotland Yard said "suspicious" evidence had been uncovered at the scene in Sterling Gardens.

Detectives believe the men were murdered first and the fire was started in an effort to destroy evidence. One theory is that the killer threw a petrol bomb.

Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like a bomb detonating and seeing a man running from the scene.

Police said the victims were both white and in their twenties.

Officers are understood to know their identities but are trying to contact their next of kin. A post mortem was due to take place today.

William Morris, 62, who lives opposite the flats, said: "I didn't see any flames or fire, but there was smoke and it smelled like rubber burning."

Residents of neighbouring flats were being kept away today while engineers checked for structural damage.

Anyone with any information should contact investigators on 020 8721 4155 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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