Man charged with murder and eight attempted murders after house fire
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
A man has been charged with murder after a house fire in west London which left a woman dead and eight others in need of hospital treatment.
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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.
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, and another seven people, six men and one woman, have been discharged after being treated for minor injuries.
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A murder investigation was launched soon afterwards and the Crown Prosecution Service said on Monday that Kulpa had been charged.
He will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on August 25.
The Metropolitan Police have said the other six men and one woman who were taken to hospital have since been discharged with minor injuries.
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: “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 August 25.
“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”