Hounslow murder probe after woman dies in Berkley Avenue fire
A 48-year-old woman died in hospital; a second woman remains in a life-threatening condition after a blaze at 01:14 on 19 August.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA murder investigation has been launched after a woman died following a fire at a house on Berkley Avenue, Hounslow. The blaze broke out at 01:14 on 19 August 2026. Police, fire crews and paramedics attended the scene.
A 48-year-old woman died in hospital after being rescued from the property. Her next of kin have been informed. A second woman, aged 40, remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition. Seven others were treated for minor injuries and discharged.
Nine taken to hospital
Nine people were taken to hospital after the fire. Six men and one woman were discharged following treatment for minor injuries. The London Ambulance Service confirmed the figures in a statement to the Metropolitan Police.
Police suspect deliberate ignition
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said the fire may have been started deliberately. He described the incident as isolated to a residential address but acknowledged it would cause concern in the local area.
“Our enquiries are progressing at pace as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire, which we believe may have been started deliberately.”
Police have made no arrests at this stage. Officers will remain in Berkley Avenue throughout the day to provide reassurance and gather evidence. The investigation is being treated as a murder inquiry.
Appeal for footage
Police are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage to come forward. Residents can contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
What happens next
The investigation is in its early stages. Police have not released the names of the victims or confirmed the exact cause of the fire. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Questions this report answers
01Who died in the Hounslow fire?
A 48-year-old woman died in hospital after being rescued from a fire at 1 Berkley Avenue, Hounslow, on 19 August 2026. Her next of kin have been informed, and a murder investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police.
02How many people were injured in the fire?
Nine people were taken to hospital after the fire. Seven were treated for minor injuries and discharged. A 40-year-old woman remains in a life-threatening condition, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.
03Do police think the fire was started deliberately?
Yes. Detective Chief Inspector Neil John stated the Metropolitan Police believe the fire may have been started deliberately. The investigation is being treated as a murder inquiry, though no arrests have been made.
04How can residents help the investigation?
Residents can provide information, CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage to the Metropolitan Police by calling 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug. Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
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