Man charged with murder and eight attempted murders after London house fire

A man has been charged with murder after a house fire in west London which left a woman dead and hospitalised eight others.

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

Officers were called to reports of a fire at a property on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow , at about 1.14am on August 19.

The London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service were also in attendance.

A 50-year-old woman who died in hospital has been named by the Metropolitan Police as Anna Kowalska, and the force said her next-of-kin has been informed, and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Another woman, 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 Met said.

A murder investigation was launched soon afterwards and the Crown Prosecution Service said on Monday that Kulpa had been charged.

Images from the scene show a light-coloured terraced house that has been blackened on the outside, with the window panes peeling.

Lisa Ramsarran, chief crown prosecutor in London North said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Pawel Kulpa for murder, attempted murder and arson following a fatal fire in Hounslow, west London which resulted in the murder of a 48-year-old woman and the injury of eight others at approximately 1am on Wednesday 19 August.

“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.

“Mr Kulpa will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 August.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.