A shopkeeper has told how he used a hosepipe to fight flames engulfing a west London home in an attempt to save those inside.

Detectives launched a murder investigation after a 48-year-old woman died in the blaze at Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow, at just before 1am on Wednesday.

Eight others were taken to hospital. A woman, aged 40, is fighting for her life.

Neighbours have described how the fire ripped through the house with people inside screaming as smoke engulfed the terraced property.

Satwant Singh, who has been described as a ‘hero’ by neighbours, told how he grabbed his hosepipe and doused the flames to enable family members to escape. 

The shopkeeper said: ‘I heard a commotion outside and looked out and there was the fire. I have three kids, so I woke them and everybody got out. 

‘Some people outside were taking videos of the fire and I thought, what are we doing? We need to help.

‘So I got my hosepipe and aimed it at the flames like a firefighter would. Others were there too and we were all trying to rescue people inside.

‘They are my neighbours, they are nice and respectful with me so I want to help them. You have to think of others.’

He added: ‘I don’t think I’m a hero. God gave me these hands, so I used them for good. I got the hosepipe and did anything I could to help. I was just being a good citizen.’

Neighbour Manpreet Singh, 48, described how Manpreet and neighbours ran towards the flames to pull people out of a downstairs window. 

He told : ‘People were real heroes, my neighbour who ran out with his hosepipe was so quick thinking, an absolute legend.

‘They ran towards the fire. He was spraying water on the flames. They were pulling people out of a window downstairs. It was very frightening and these people saved lives for sure. They ran towards the danger.’ 

He added: ‘Someone in our house woke up when the alarm was raised. We evacuated and had to leave all of our stuff. We are so sad for the family this is a real shock to us, especially now it’s a murder investigation.’

Another neighbour said: ‘I heard screaming from the house, it was terrifying. The flames were very strong when I looked.People did all they could to help. It’s a good, close community around here.’

Firefighters are trying to establish the cause of the blaze as murder squad detectives investigate. 

The house is a burned out shell, which is behind emergency services tape. 

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John 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.

‘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.’

DCI John added that this was an ‘isolated incident’. 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

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