A second man has been charged with murder in connection with a fire in west London that killed one woman and injured eight others.
An investigation was launched after police were called to an address on Berkeley Avenue, in Hounslow at 01:14hrs on August 19, following reports of a fire. Officers attended the scene alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service, and nine people were taken to hospital.
Victim named as Anna Kowalska
Despite the efforts of medical staff, a 50-year-old woman, who has been named as Anna Kowalska, died in hospital. Another woman, aged 40, remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
The remaining seven people - six men and one woman – have since been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.
Charges and court appearance
Slawomir Alama, 41, of Bath Road, Hounslow has since been charged with murder, eight counts of attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life, possession of a class B drug and possession of a knife in a public place. He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 26.
The charges follow his arrest on Tuesday in Leeds, where Met officers were supported by West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Ongoing investigation
An investigation remains ongoing. Pawel Kupla, 34, of no fixed address, was charged on Monday with one count of murder, eight counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with this investigation. Kulpa will next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, August 27.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information, or footage that may assist the investigation, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
