Arson murder probe launched after woman is found dead in a flat fire

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a woman died in a fire at a residential address in Islington. Police were called at 12.14pm on Saturday, 26 October following reports of a fire in a flat on Mingard Walk, N7. Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade. Residents were evacuated from the building as a precaution. A woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. A man, believed to be aged in his 30s, was found suffering serious injuries. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. The fire is being treated as suspicious. At this early stage in the investigation, no arrests have been made and enquiries continue. Homicide detectives from Specialist Crime are leading the investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information should call the incident room number on 020 8345 3865 quoting Operation Rushville.