Detectives are appealing for people to come forward with information after a fire broke out in Strode Road, Portsmouth.
At 3.10am on Sunday, October 19, the emergency services were called to a report of a fire.
On police arrival the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service had already extinguished the fire, which had started at the front door and completely destroyed the door, though had not spread any further inside the property.
There was no one in the house at the time of the incident, and most rooms had some degree of smoke damage.
Detective Constable Pete Bambury said, “This was a very unusual incident in a quiet, residential street. It seems that someone may have put something through the letterbox which set light to the front door, though we are still carrying out enquiries at this time.
“Though no one was in at the time of the fire and there was only smoke damage to the majority of the house, the results could have been much worse. The fire was controlled and extinguished thanks to the quick response of the fire service.
“We are appealing for any information about how this fire may have started. Did you see or hear anything suspicious around the time of the fire? If you think you can help please contact us.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Pete Bambury at Fratton police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000.
