A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a house fire in west London left one woman dead and eight other people injured.
Officers were called to reports of a fire at a property on Berkeley Avenue in Hounslow at around 1.15am on Wednesday.
A 48-year-old woman died in hospital, and another woman, aged 40, remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition, the Metropolitan Police said. Six men and one woman who were taken to hospital with minor injuries have since been discharged, the force added.
Arrest made while travelling to France
The 34-year-old man was arrested by Kent Police on Sunday while he was travelling to France by train. He remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, of the Metropolitan Police, 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."
Investigation and appeal for information
The 48-year-old woman's next of kin have been informed of her death and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Images from the scene showed a light-coloured terraced house blackened on the outside, with window panes peeling and part of the upstairs eaves melted. Fire damage appeared to have reached the neighbouring property.
Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
