The Metropolitan Police has launched a murder investigation after a London house fire left nine people in hospital.
A woman, 48, was killed following a blaze at a residential property on Berkeley Avenue in Hounslow during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Officers were summoned to the address at 1.14am after the fire was reported, with crews from the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service also responding.
The woman was rushed to hospital but sadly died.
Her next of kin have been notified and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
A total of nine people required hospital treatment as a result of the fire.
Among those taken to hospital, a 40-year-old woman remains in a life-threatening condition.
The seven other casualties, comprising six men and one woman, sustained only minor injuries and have since been released from hospital following treatment.
The Met has confirmed investigators believe the blaze may have been set alight deliberately, prompting the force to treat the death as murder.
No suspects have yet been detained in connection with the incident, which detectives say is still in its early stages.
The investigation is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Neil John.
DCI 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.”
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He added: “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.”
The senior detective described the blaze as an “isolated incident”, although he acknowledged it was likely to provoke anxiety in the surrounding community.
He confirmed officers would maintain a visible presence in the area throughout the day and pledged to issue further updates as the inquiry progresses.
Detectives are urging anyone who may hold relevant information, including CCTV recordings, doorbell camera footage, or dashcam video from the vicinity, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Witnesses or those with potentially useful material can reach the police by calling 101 and quoting reference CAD 359/19Aug.
Anyone who prefers to share information without revealing their identity can do so through the independent charity Crimestoppers, either by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org or by telephoning 0800 555 111.
No arrests have been made yet in connection with the fatal blaze.
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