Mother, 48, dies in house fire in East London on August 28
- Shipli Begum, 48, suffered severe burns after catching fire at her home in East London on August 28.
- An inquest revealed the possibility of an accelerant being used, leading to a criminal investigation and the arrest of a 55-year-old man known to the victim.
- The coroner classified her death as unnatural, with a full inquest scheduled for March 2025, while the community mourns her loss.
On August 28, a tragic incident occurred in East London when Shipli Begum, a 48-year-old mother of three, caught fire in her home on Newham Way. Emergency services were alerted by her daughter, and upon arrival, they found Ms. Begum suffering from severe burns. Witnesses reported that she was seen fleeing her house engulfed in flames, screaming for help. Neighbors attempted to assist her, with one entering the house to find her unresponsive. The inquest revealed that an accelerant may have been involved in the fire, leading to a criminal investigation. A 55-year-old man, known to Ms. Begum, was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was later rearrested on suspicion of murder following her death. The police confirmed that no other suspects are being sought in connection with the case. The coroner, Graeme Irvine, stated that Ms. Begum's death is classified as unnatural, and a forensic post-mortem was ordered to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death. The inquest has been opened, with a full hearing scheduled for March 2025, although this date may change due to the ongoing investigation. Neighbors expressed their shock and sadness over the incident, describing Ms. Begum as a kind person. The community is mourning her loss, and her family is receiving support from specially trained officers as they navigate this tragic event.