Arrests made after suspicious Gosport fire

HAMPSHIRE POLICE have confirmed that two men and a women have been arrested after a suspicious fire in Gosport that occurred this weekend; two parked vehicles seemingly set alight deliberately and flames then spreading to a nearby property with residents forced to evacuate as emergency crews fought to extinguish it.

Firefighters from across Hampshire were called to the scene on Gazelle Close, near Alver Village, at 7:30am on Sunday morning (February 20). Upon their arrival they found two vehicles ablaze with flames increasingly spreading and the decision was made to evacuate nearby residential properties to ensure the public’s safety.

This fire was eventually put out at approximately 11:30am by crews wearing breathing apparatus, hoses and jets to battle flames at the scene, before a second visit later that day to ensure the building was safe. Luckily no injuries reported although a cat was given oxygen for smoke inhalation and taken to the vet for treatment.

Investigators do believe that this fire was started ‘deliberately’ and officers have further announced that three people from Gosport were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following ongoing initial enquiries. These consist of a forty-nine year old woman alongside two men aged 28 and thirty-two years old.

Police have said that the woman and twenty-eight year old man have been released on bails with conditions until May 19. The thirty-two year old male was asked to attend further interviews to be conducted later today (Monday), but there has been no new updates and it is important to stress that no charges have been given.

Anyone with information about this blaze is asked to contact police by calling the non-emergency number on 101 although no case reference number is available. They can also submit details using the online reporting tool available on the Hampshire Police website, with official support and guidance available on the link here.

Alternatively, readers can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form which can be found through their website: https://orlo.uk/250kR

PICTURED BY ALAMY (GGGRJ4); Snapshot of vehicle showing official logo and the forces’ contact details.