A MURDER investigation has been launched following a fatal fire.

Firefighters, paramedics and police were called to the scene in Finch Close, High Barnet at about 5.56am yesterday.

They found an unresponsive man trapped inside the ground floor flat. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.51am.

A spokesman for The Metropolitan Police said they believe the man is 55-year-old David McKenna, although formal identification awaits.

Next of kin have been informed and a postmortem will take place at Northwick Park Hospital today.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, is investigating and said: "I would like to speak with anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Finch Close or near to the flats on Sunday night or Monday morning.

"Not only was Mr McKenna pronounced dead at the scene, but this fire put a number of other people's lives at risk. Thankfully, due to the actions of the London Fire Brigade, the blaze did not spread to other homes. Had it done so, we could be investigating more deaths.

"We retain an open mind as to the possible motive for the murder."

No arrests have been made and inquires continue.

Anyone with information is asked to call 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.