Satwant Singh, a shopkeeper in Hounslow, west London, described how he grabbed a hosepipe to fight flames engulfing a home on Berkeley Avenue early Wednesday, as a murder investigation was launched following the death of a 48-year-old woman. The fire broke out just before 1am, and eight others were taken to hospital, with a 40-year-old woman in critical condition.
Neighbours describe heroic efforts to rescue family
Singh told Metro that he heard a commotion outside and saw the fire. He woke his three children and evacuated them, then grabbed his hosepipe to douse the flames. "Some people outside were taking videos of the fire and I thought what are we doing, we need to help," he said. "So I got my hosepipe and aimed it at the flames like a firefighter would. Others were there too and we were all trying to rescue people inside."
He added: "They are my neighbours, they are nice age respectful with me so I want to help them. You have to think of others. I don't think I'm a hero. God gave me these hands so I used them for good. I got the hosepipe and did anything I could to help. I was just being a good citizen."
Community members pulled people from downstairs window
Neighbour Manpreet Singh, 48, described how he and others ran towards the flames to pull people out of a downstairs window. "People were real heroes, my neighbour who ran out with his hosepipe was so quick thinking, an absolute legend," he told Metro. "They ran towards the fire. He was spraying water on the flames. They were pulling people out of a window downstairs. It was very frightening and these people saved lives for sure. They ran towards the danger."
Manpreet Singh added: "Someone in our house woke up when the alarm was raised. We evacuated and had to leave all of our stuff. We are so sad for the family this is a real shock to us especially now it's a murder investigation." Another neighbour said: "I heard screaming from the house, it was terrifying. The flames were very strong when I looked. People did all they could to help. It's a good, close community around here."
Murder investigation launched as detectives probe deliberate fire
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John of the Metropolitan Police 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 establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire, which we believe may have been started deliberately." DCI John added that this was an "isolated incident".
The house is now a burned-out shell behind emergency services tape. Firefighters are working to establish the cause of the blaze as murder squad detectives investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or to remain anonymous via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
