Death in house fire in Newham leads to police investigation

Shipli Begum, 48, died in hospital at an address in Newham Way, E6, following an as yet unexplained incident.

A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and was re-arrested on suspicion of murder following Ms Begum’s death.

However, the case has now been handed back to local authorities, suggesting that the Metropolitan Police Service has now concluded that her death is not suspicious.

On Wednesday, August 28, emergency services were called to the property at 1:05 p.m.

“Officers attended the scene along with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and found a 48-year-old woman with significant injuries,” a London Police spokesman said.

“She was taken to hospital where she unfortunately died the same day. Her family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.”

The homicide squad was originally entrusted with the case.

“A 55-year-old man – known to the deceased – who was arrested at the scene in connection with the death remains on bail while officers complete their investigation,” a Met spokesman added.

However, the Homicide Squad has now returned the case to the North East Borough Command Unit.

“No one else is being sought and the coroner has been informed,” police added.

The emergency services said they were called at 1:07 p.m. on August 28 and dispatched rescue teams, an incident commander and the London rescue helicopter.

“The first of our teams arrived at the scene within five minutes,” said a LAS spokesman. “Our teams treated a woman at the scene before transporting her across the road to hospital.”

The fire department said it was also called at 1:07 p.m. and sent three fire engines and 15 firefighters to the scene.

Firefighters were dispatched from Barking, Stratford and Leytonstone fire stations.

“The teams worked to support the emergency services partners and secure the accident scene,” said an LFB spokesman.

An inquest into Ms Begum’s death is due to open at East London Coroner’s Court on Thursday 12 September.