Neighbours have paid tribute to the “wonderful and caring” mother whose death seven weeks after a Finsbury Park flat fire has triggered a homicide investigation.
Kaltoun Saleh, 43, who died on August 21, was taken to a north London hospital after the blaze started in her flat at Noll House, Corker Way, on July 5, before being transferred to a specialist burns unit.
Iid Jama, of Seven Sisters Road, said: “Kaltoun had six children and she was a devoted mum who would help anyone whenever possible.
“She was a wonderful, caring woman who was liked by the people around her.”
He added: “We are shocked by hear death – it’s just so sad, a big loss. Kaltoun was down to earth and a fantastic woman so it’s really difficult for the community to understand what happened.”
As well as Ms Saleh, paramedics took her four daughters to hospital as a precaution following the fire.
Mubarak Nur, who lived opposite Ms Saleh on the Andover Estate, said he’d known her for some 15 years.
He said: “As a close friend, all I can say is she was a lovely wife and a hard working mum.
“She was always in the garden talking and playing with her kids.
“It was a very sad ending. We miss her deeply and the Somali community will pray for her and the family.”
Another man who lives next door to the family in Noll House but preferred not to be named, said: “She was a good person and they are a well-liked family.”
He described Ms Saleh as “quiet, kind and sensitive” and said she always put the needs of her children before her own.
As well as her four daughters, Ms Saleh is said to have two older sons living in their native Somalia.
Abdi Quule, 42, also of Noll House, Corker Walk, was discovered at the scene and treated for burns in hospital.
Mr Quule was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and charged on August 4.
He appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ court on the same day.
Mr Quuel was remanded in custody and is due to appear in the Old Bailey tomorrow (Thurs).
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