A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a house fire in Hounslow, west London, that left one woman dead and another in a critical condition.

The arrest came on Sunday, August 23, when Kent Police detained the man while he was travelling by train to France, according to multiple reports. He remains in custody.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19, at a property on Berkeley Avenue. Emergency services were called at around 1.14am.

A 48-year-old woman died in hospital after being rescued from the blaze. Another woman, aged 40, remains in a life-which-threatening condition. Six men and one woman who were also taken to hospital have since been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries, the force added.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the victim's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time, as well as everyone who has been injured."

He continued: "Our investigation is continuing at pace and we have arrested one man in connection with the incident. Detectives are continuing to build a full picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry."

He added: "We continue to ask any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident about contact us as soon as possible."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Images from the scene showed a light-coloured terraced house extensively damaged, with its exterior blackened by smoke and flames. Window panes appeared warped and peeling, and part of the upstairs eaves seemed to have melted in the intense heat. The front door was severely damaged, and signs of the blaze were visible on the adjoining property, indicating the fire had spread to the neighbouring house.

Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.