Man charged with murder after woman dies in suspected arson attack

Independent Office for Police Conduct investigating after victim’s contact with Met

Denise Keane-Barnett-Simmons was killed in a suspected arson attack in Harlesden, north-west London (Metropolitan Police/PA)

A man has been charged with murder after a woman died following a suspected arson attack.

Damion Simmons, 44, was arrested following the death of Denise Michelle Keane-Barnett-Simmons, 36, in hospital after the fatal blaze in Harlesdon, north-west London.

She was allegedly attacked in the early hours of 16 April after contacting the Metropolitan Police. A referral has been made to the police watchdog.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation.

On Wednesday, Mr Simmons was charged with murder, arson with intent to endanger life, criminal damage endangering life, disclosing private and sexual photographs with intent to cause distress, and voyeurism.

He was due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Officers, along with firefighters and paramedics, were called to Alric Avenue at about 2.15am on Thursday 16 April.

Ms Keane-Barnett-Simmons was taken to hospital with serious injuries but was pronounced dead shortly after 6am.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as burns and inhalation of fire fumes.

Another woman, aged in her 60s, was also taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries after the fire.

The Metropolitan Police refused to tell The Independent whether the suspect and victim were related.