Metropolitan Police officers were called to reports of a fire at a property in Queens Park Road, Romford, on 28 October.

Josephine Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

A firework was recovered from the site and a post-mortem examination later discovered Ms Smith had died from smoke inhalation.

Kai Cooper, 18, from Leatherhead, Surrey, and a 15-year-old boy from Southend, Essex, appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court charged with manslaughter.

They are also charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Both were further charged with assault by beating, relating to a separate offence on 27 October in Hight Road, Ilford.

The two teenagers were remanded in custody and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 11 January.