Overview
- The Metropolitan Police opened a murder inquiry after crews responded just after 1.14am on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, to a fire at a terraced house on Berkley Avenue in Hounslow.
- Nine people were taken to hospital; a 48-year-old woman later died and a 40-year-old woman remains in a life‑threatening condition, while six men and one other woman have been discharged with minor injuries.
- Forensic teams have established a cordon and are examining the visibly scorched property as officers remain working at the scene to establish how the fire started.
- No arrests have been made and Detective Chief Inspector Neil John is leading the investigation, with specially trained officers supporting the deceased woman's next of kin.
- Police have asked anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to contact them quoting CAD 359/19Aug or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, and further updates are expected as enquiries continue.