Petrol was found at the scene of a horrific blaze which claimed the lives of two people, it emerged today.

Detectives revealed traces of petrol were found in and around the bungalow which went up in flames in Barley Lane, Hastings.

The victims, believed to be an elderly mother and her middle-aged son, were found by firefighters who were called at 5.41am yesterday.

The bodies were so badly charred that formal identification has yet to be made.

A police spokesman said: "The severity of the fire means that they could take days to formally identify.

"It may be that we will have to rely on dental or medical records."

Neighbours said the bungalow's owner was Dorothy Patten, an active elderly woman who has lived there since the mid-Eighties.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill, leading the inquiry, said: "It's a tragic loss of two lives and we are doing our utmost to ensure that we find out exactly what happened."

Police remained on guard outside the property last night.

Flowers had been laid in front of the bungalow with messages of condolence.

One read "Dora and Michael. Rest in peace" while another read "Our thoughts are with your family."

Detectives want to trace a man and woman who were with a dog by a nearby green telephone box at about 5.45am.

They also want to hear from a man dressed in blue seen walking towards the fields on East Hill, close to the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.