Man charged with murder following fatal fire in Hounslow

A man has been charged with murder following a fire in Hounslow on Wednesday, 19 August.

Pawel Kupla, 34 (29.06.92), of no fixed address, was charged on Monday, 24 August, with:

• One count of murder
• Eight counts of attempted murder
• One count of arson with intent to endanger life

Kupla has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 August.

Police were called to an address on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow at 01:14hrs on Wednesday, 19 August following reports of a fire.

Officers attended the scene alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service before. Nine people were taken to hospital as a result of their injuries.

Despite best efforts of medical staff, a 50-year-old woman sadly died in hospital. She has since been named as Anna Kowalska. Her next-of-kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

Another woman, aged 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.

Our investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information, or footage that may assist the investigation, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.