Heartbroken relatives of a man murdered in an arson attack on Christmas Day have said his death will haunt them.

Harbhajan Singh Rooprai, 60, died in the fire at his home in Forest Gate, east London, in the early hours of December 25.

Today his cousin Harjit Rooprai said: "Words cannot express the pain and anguish our family and friends have endured since the heartless murder of our dear and loving uncle on Christmas Day.

"We have been left devastated by the inexcusable and sickening act of an arson attack in his home. The news of his unprovoked murder will haunt us and we are still in disbelief that a member of our family has been so cruelly snatched away from us."

Police were called shortly before 5am to the blaze at a house in Field Road where the body of the "generous and thoughtful" Sikh was found.

A post mortem examination gave the cause of death as burns and inhalation of fire fumes.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McCabe said: "Mr Rooprai's family have been left devastated by what has happened and are struggling to come to terms with the loss.

"One person has already been charged in connection with the investigation, but it is of paramount importance that we speak to all those that were in the vicinity of Field Road in the early hours of Christmas Day for us to establish the full circumstances. I am keen to hear from a number of people seen driving in the area shortly before the fire.

"I am particularly appealing to those within the local community, as I believe the answers lies with them as to why the home in Field Road was targeted. Any information, no matter how small, may just assist with our inquiry."

Harbhajan Rooprai, known as Bhajan, was active in the Sikh community and was looking forward to his youngest daughter's wedding in India later this year, his relatives said.

Anyone with information can contact police on 020 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

:: Tyrone Jacobs, aged 27, of Ramsay Road, Forest Gate, east London, has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life and is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on March 21.

A 32-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed until mid-February.