Skip to content

Man charged with murder after house fire

BBC A view of a terraced-appearing house in Berkeley Avenue in Hounslow with burnt windows and some police tape at the frontBBC
A 48-year-old woman died in hospital following the fire at a residential address in Hounslow

A man has been charged with murder, attempted murder and arson following a fire in west London that left a woman dead and eight others in need of hospital treatment.

Pawel Kulpa, 34, faces one count of murder, eight counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

The charges come after a fire at a residential address on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow, at about 01:15 BST on Wednesday, 19 August.

A 48-year-old woman died in hospital while another woman, 40, remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition. Kulpa is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

People in blue forensic suits working in torchlight on the street by a white van
Nine patients were taken to hospital for treatment

The Met Police said the other seven people who needed hospital treatment - six men and one woman - were treated for minor injuries and discharged.

Lisa Ramsarran, chief crown prosecutor for London North, said: "Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal proceedings.

"We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk