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A murder probe has been launched after one woman died and eight others were rushed to hospital following a fire in Hounslow.
Metropolitan Police officers attended a property on Berkley Avenue in west London in the early hours of today following reports of a fire.
Nine people were rushed to hospital, where sadly one woman, 48, died despite the best efforts of medical staff.
Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained police officers.
Meanwhile, another woman, 40, remains in hospital with her condition being described as 'life-threatening'.
The other seven, which included six men and one woman, have since been discharged from hospital after being treated for minor injuries.
It is understood both the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service attended the incident. No arrests have been made.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Our thoughts are 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 enquiries are progressing at pace as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire, which we believe may have been started deliberately.
A murder probe has been launched after one woman died and eight others were rushed to hospital following a fire in Hounslow (Pictured: Berkley Avenue where the incident took place)
'We understand this to be an isolated incident within a residential address; however, we understand it will cause concern within the local community. Officers will remain in the area throughout the day, and we will provide updates as our investigation continues.
'I would ask anyone with information that could assist our enquiries, including CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage, to contact us.'
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact the force by calling 101 and quoting CAD 359/19Aug.
Alternatively, those who wish to provide information anonymously can do so via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.