Man is arrested for 'house fire murder' on train to France after woman died and eight others were hurt in London inferno

By WILL HALLOWELL, NEWS REPORTER Published: 17:51, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 17:59, 23 August 2026 A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 48-year-old woman died following a house fire in west London.  The suspect, 34, was travelling on a train to France when Kent Police apprehended him on Sunday. He remains in custody.  The arrest comes after emergency services responded to reports of an alleged house fire on Berkeley Avenue in Hounslow, west London, at around 1am on Wednesday.  Police, firefighters and paramedics were all present at the scene and nine people were rushed to hospital with injuries.  A 48-year-old woman died in hospital despite the best efforts of medical staff and her family have been informed.  Another alleged victim, a woman aged 40, remains in hospital in a 'life-threatening' condition, the Met Police has said.  The seven other people injured in the alleged fire have been discharged after having received only minor injuries.   Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the victim's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time, as well as everyone who has been injured. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after one woman died and eight others were rushed to hospital following an alleged fire on Berkeley Avenue in Hounslow, west London Metropolitan Police officers attended the property after receiving reports of the fire at 1.14am on Wednesday Nine people were rushed to hospital, where one woman, 48, died despite the best efforts of medical staff (Pictured: The charred front facing side of the property in question) 'Our investigation is continuing at pace and we have arrested one man in connection with the incident. 'Detectives are continuing to build a full picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. 'We continue to ask any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to please contact us as soon as possible.' A Met Police spokesman said: 'A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, as part of an investigation into a fatal fire in Hounslow. 'Officers from Kent Police arrested the man on Sunday, 23 August while he was travelling to France by train. He remains in custody. 'Police were called to an address on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow at 01:14hrs on Wednesday, 19 August following reports of a fire. 'Officers attended the scene alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. Nine people were taken to hospital as a result of their injuries. 'Despite best efforts of medical staff, a 48-year-old woman sadly died in hospital. Her next-of-kin have been informed and continue to be 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.' The force has urged anyone with information or footage that may assist with its investigation to reach out by calling 101 and quoting CAD 359/19Aug.  Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. The Met Police launched a murder investigation on Wednesday after the 48-year-old woman had died in the alleged house fire and eight others were injured.   This is a breaking story. More to follow.   Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.