Murder investigation launched after woman dies and eight others injured in Hounslow house fire


A woman has died and another is fighting for her life in hospital following a house fire in Hounslow, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Emergency services were called to a property on Berkley Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday following reports of a fire.
Officers from Met Police attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
Nine people were taken to hospital with injuries, where a 48-year-old woman later died.
Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
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.
A murder investigation has since been launched, but no arrests have been made at this stage.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, 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.
"We understand this to be an isolated incident within a residential address; however, we understand it will cause concern within the local community. Officers will remain in the area throughout the day, and we will provide updates as our investigation continues.
"I would ask anyone with information that could assist our enquiries, including CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage, to contact us."
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.
