Detectives in Southsea have launched an enquiry after someone deliberately set fire to a block of flats in Osbourne Road, Southsea, in the early hours of Sunday, March 1.
Initial enquiries lead officers to believe that an accelerant was used at three separate points inside the property to start the fire in the three storey block of flats at 40, Osbourne Road, above the Café Law restaurant. A smoke detector was also tampered with.
Fortunately no-one was injured as a result of the fire due to the quick thinking and actions of one of the residents who was able to contain it until Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services arrived.
Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously at the premises immediately prior to the fire at about 2am, or saw someone running away from the scene immediately afterwards either in Osbourne Road, Richmond Terrace or Netley Road.
Detective Inspector Darren Rawlings who is leading the investigation said: “This was a deliberate act to endanger life and whoever is responsible needs to be traced as quickly as possible to prevent them from committing similar acts. We appeal to anyone who has any information at all about who is responsible to contact us without delay.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Fratton CID at Kingston Road police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000.
