Tragic blaze in N7 flat leaves woman dead and man critically injured
Fire breaks out on Mingard Walk
Police were called at 12:41pm on Saturday, 26 October after reports of a fire in a flat on Mingard Walk, N7. Officers rushed to the scene alongside London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade crews.
Woman dies, man in critical condition
Emergency teams found a woman dead at the flat, believed to be 59-year-old Beatrice Yankson, the flat’s occupant. A post-mortem on Tuesday, 29 October confirmed she died from burns and inhalation of fire fumes.
A man, thought to be in his 30s, was found seriously injured. He remains in critical condition in hospital.
Homicide detectives call fire a murder
Specialist Crime homicide detectives are leading the probe, treating the blaze as a deliberate act. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine said: “We believe this fire was started deliberately which is why it is being investigated as a murder.”
He added, “Our thoughts are with Beatrice’s family, and we are working hard to understand the series of events which led to her death.”
Witnesses urged to come forward
Residents were evacuated as a precaution and have helped police so far. Officers are appealing for witnesses to get in touch. Anyone with information should call 020 8345 3865 and quote Operation Rushville.
