Slawomir Alama, 41, of Bath Road, Hounslow, has been charged with murder following the death of Anna Kowalska, 50, in a house fire in west London. The Metropolitan Police said he has also been charged with 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.
Charges and court appearance
Alama has been remanded to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. The Met said he was arrested in Leeds on Tuesday, where officers from London were supported by West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Organised Crime Unit.
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. He appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and will next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday.
Fire and casualties
Officers were called at about 1.14am on August 19 to reports of a fire at a property on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow. A 50-year-old woman who died in hospital was named by the Metropolitan Police as Anna Kowalska. The force said her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A woman aged 40 remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition. Another seven people – six men and one woman – were discharged after being treated for minor injuries.
