A murder investigation has been launched after a 48-year-old woman died and eight others were injured in a fire at a property in Hounslow, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
Fire at Berkeley Avenue
Officers were called to a property on Berkeley Avenue at just after 1am on Wednesday following reports of a fire. A woman died in hospital, while another woman, aged 40, remains in a life-threatening condition.
Six men and one woman who were taken to hospital have since been discharged with minor injuries, the force said. Police have confirmed a murder investigation is now under way, though no arrests have yet been made.
Scene and investigation
Photographs from the scene show a light-coloured terraced house with significant external fire damage, its exterior blackened and part of the upstairs eaves apparently melted. Forensic officers and police were pictured working at the scene on the residential street.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the inquiry, 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."
Police appeal
"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," DCI John added.
