Murder investigation as woman, 48, dies after fire

A murder investigation is under way after a woman died in a fire in west London, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Officers were called to a residential address on Berkley Avenue, Hounslow, at 01:14 BST following reports of the blaze.

Nine people - six men and three women - were taken to hospital, where the 48-year-old woman died. Another woman, 40, is in a life-threatening condition.

The Met said no arrests had yet been made but officers believed the fire may have been started deliberately. Det Ch Insp Neil John said: "Our inquiries are progressing at pace as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire."

John said the force's thoughts were "first and foremost with the victim's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time, as well as everyone who has been injured".

The remaining seven people have been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.

John said the force understood the incident to be isolated to a residential address, but officers would remain in the area and provide updates as the investigation continues.

The London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service also attended the scene.

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