A man has been charged with murder and eight counts of attempted murder following a fatal house fire in Hounslow, west London, that killed one woman and injured eight other people.
Pawel Kupla, 34, of no fixed address, faces one count of murder, eight counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life over the blaze, which broke out at a property on Berkeley Avenue on Wednesday, August 19.
Kupla was arrested by Kent Police on Sunday while travelling on a train to France. He was remanded in custody on Monday and is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 25.
Emergency services were called to the house fire at around 1am on the Wednesday. Officers from the Metropolitan Police attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service, and nine people were rushed to hospital.
Victim named as Anna Kowalska
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the woman who died was 50-year-old Anna Kowalska. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A 40-year-old woman remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition, police said. The seven other victims, six men and one woman, have since been discharged from hospital after being treated for minor injuries.
Investigation ongoing
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."
"Our investigation is continuing at pace and we have arrested one man in connection with the incident," he said. "Detectives are continuing to build a full picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry."
He added: "We continue to ask any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to please contact us as soon as possible."
In a statement released on Monday, the Metropolitan Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
How to contact police
The force has urged anyone with information or footage connected to the incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 359/19Aug.
Information can also be submitted anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.
