Alver Village blaze to be investigated
By Connor Steel
POLICE AND FIREFIGHTING services are undertaking joint investigations into the cause of an incident in Alver Village that occurred on Monday evening, which saw an apparent bin shed fire spread to the nearby block of flats in the Rower area of Gosport and cause exterior damage to the building.
Emergency services were called to the fire at Arch Royal House in Blanchard Avenue with fire crews from Gosport, Fareham, and Portchester all attending the scene at approximately 6:10pm on February 7 (Monday). Nearby streets and the flats were quickly evacuated as a result.
Flames from the blaze were quickly noticeable around Rowner, particularly around the nearby Tesco and Jaffers Pharmacy in Alver Village; with photos and videos of the fire available to view on the Globe Facebook page courtesy of Marketing Director Kevin Richards.
It is believed that the initial fire had spread via a parked car nearby, before moving onto the exterior of the flats, causing some damage to windows across the first three floors of the building; although it has not been confirmed by officials or emergency services.
According to Gosport Fire Station sources; the blaze was brought under control within an hour and residents were allowed to return to their properties shortly afternoons, with no injuries reported as a result of this fire which occurred during the peak evening hours.
Enquires are still ongoing to establish the cause of the fire as crews requested police support, early investigations leading to suspicions that the blaze was potentially set deliberately. Officers have been conducting enquires overnight and today alongside a secure cordon around the scene.
If people have any information or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area last night, they are asked to please contact the police on 101 quoting 44220053282. They can also submit information online via a form on the Hampshire Constabulary website.
PICTURED BY AISLING STEEL: Emergency services at the scene after fire spreads to block of flats
