A murder investigation has been launched after a woman died and eight other people were injured in a house fire in Hounslow, west London
A murder inquiry has been launched after a woman lost her life and eight others were rushed to hospital following a house fire in west London.
Emergency services were called to a blaze at a property on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow, at approximately 1.14am on Wednesday. A 48 year old woman subsequently died in hospital, while another woman, aged 40, remains in a life-threatening condition, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that evening.
Six men and one woman who were taken to hospital have since been discharged with minor injuries, the force added.
Pictures from the scene reveal a light-coloured terraced house with severe exterior scorching, peeling window panes and what appears to be a partially melted upper eaves. The front door appears to have sustained significant damage, with the fire’s destruction extending to the neighbouring property.
A cordon spanning approximately 50 metres was in place on Wednesday evening as forensic officers and police carried out their work on the residential street, reports the Express.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is heading up the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victim’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time, as well as everyone who has been injured.
“Our enquiries are progressing at pace as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire, which we believe may have been started deliberately.
“We understand this to be an isolated incident within a residential address; however, we understand it will cause concern within the local community.”
