Two men have been charged with the murder of two sisters following a police appeal for witnesses last week.

Rasal Khan, 18, of Leicester, and Shihabuddin Choudhury, 20, from Beeston, Nottingham, who are both waiters, will appear at Greenwich Magistrates' Court this morning charged with the murder of Maleha Masud, 15, and her sister Nabiha, who died following an arson attack on their home in Lessingham Avenue, Tooting, on June 21.

The men are also charged with three counts of attempted murder of another three members of the same family, Rubina Masud, 53, Zain Masud, 22 and Junaid Masud, 17.

Police said petrol was poured through the letterbox of the family’s home about 4.35am on June 21.

Rubina and Zain jumped from a first-floor window to escape the blaze, but the other siblings had to be rescued by firefighters.

Junaid is still in a critical condition in hospital.

Police launched a fresh appeal for information last week as Maleha was buried.

Tooting MP Sadiq Khan, who also appealed for the community to come forward with information, said: “This is welcome news. The police are working around the clock and they are to be commended on their efforts.

"There may well be more information out there. If you know anything at all please get in touch with them.”

A 14-year-old boy of south London appeared Balham Youth Court on July 2, accused of the murder of Maleha and four counts of attempted murder.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 17.

Anyone with information should contact police on 020 8721 4805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.