A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a house fire in Hounslow, west London, left one woman dead and eight others requiring hospital treatment.
Emergency services were called to a property on Berkeley Avenue at around 1.14am on Wednesday. A 48-year-old woman later died in hospital, while a 40-year-old woman remains in a life-threatening condition, according to the Metropolitan Police. Six men and one woman who were also taken to hospital have since been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.
The suspect was arrested by Kent Police on Sunday while travelling by train to France and remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain 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 investigation is continuing at pace and we have arrested one man in connection with the incident.
“Detectives are continuing to build a full picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.
“We continue to ask any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to please contact us as soon as possible.”
Images from the scene showed a light-coloured terraced house extensively damaged by the fire, with its exterior blackened by smoke and flames.
Window panes appeared warped and peeling, while part of the upstairs eaves seemed to have melted in the intense heat.
The front door was also severely damaged, and signs of the blaze were visible on the adjoining property, indicating that the fire had spread to the neighbouring house.
Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug, or reach out anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
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