Detectives investigate fatal house fire in North Finchley (From Times Series)

Detectives investigate North Finchley house fire where Argyrios and Chloe Siokos were found dead

11:24am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Natalie O'Neill

Detectives are investigating whether a fatal house fire in North Finchley was started deliberately.

Argyrios and Chloe Siokos were found dead in their semi-detached house in Fallow Court Avenue after the blaze started at approximately 6am yesterday morning.

Firefighters desperately tried to tackle the flames which swept through the house where the elderly Greek couple had lived for more than 40 years.

Shaheda Hanif who has lived next door to the couple for six years said: “I was sleeping on the top floor when my husband spotted the fire and started shouting ‘get out get out’.

“We rushed outside and went across the road. There was smoke coming out of the house – it was awful.”

It took almost two hours before the blaze was brought under control. Mrs Siokos’ body was found in the kitchen and her husband, who was known as Arris to his neighbours, was found in a bedroom on the first floor.

Mr Siokos was in his lates 60s and Mrs Siokos was preparing to celebrate her 81st birthday on Thursday.

Neighbours spoke of their shock and about losing two of the “loveliest people”.

Mrs Hanif said: “When I first moved to this road they both offered me coffee and said to go to them if I needed anything.

“Chloe was so kind – if you knocked on her door she always said ‘come in, don’t bother taking your shoes off.’ I had the best neighbour in my life.

“I couldn’t sleep last night. I was crying in the middle of the night just thinking about her. I’m just so upset. This will be in my heart for the rest of my life.”

Officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating the incident. Nobody is being sought in connection with the incident.