Suspected arson attack on Pakistani family: UK police start investigating teenage girl’s death

LONDON: The London Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 15-year-old Pakistani girl who was seriously injured in a fire at her house in South London.

Maleha Masud died in a hospital on Thursday night, following a suspected arson attack on her family home in Tooting, South London, last Sunday.

Three of her siblings were also injured in the blaze, and remain in a critical condition.

City banker Zain Masud (22) and his mother Rubina (53) escaped by jumping from a first-floor window of their Lessingham Avenue house. Paramedics dragged three other children from the burning house. Nabiha (21) had to be resuscitated by paramedics in the front garden. She, Zain, their younger brother Junaid (16), and Maleha were taken to hospital for treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. Their mother was discharged from hospital after first aid. The police confirmed the blaze was being treated as suspicious, and said they had found traces of an accelerant. Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested in connection with the fire and bailed until August, pending further inquiries. No charges have yet been brought.
Source: Daily Times
Date:6/27/2009