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Update on cause of fire which destroyed Southsea dinosaur

Press Releases

Published: 06/10/2010


A report into the fire which destroyed the model dinosaur on Southsea Common in the early hours of last Friday concludes it was most likely accidental.

Police and fire examiners believe the fire started as a result of an electrical fault.

Investigating officer PC Jack Oakley said:  “The original assessment was of course that the cause of the fire was doubtful.

“On closer inspection, it appears as though the severe weather we experienced in the early hours of Friday morning caused water to seep into the structure.

“That in turn could well have resulted in an electrical fault in the lighting system on the underbelly of the structure, which was powered by a generator.

“I still have a few enquiries left to make but it is likely that the report’s conclusion will effectively bring my investigation to a close.

“I’d like to thank everyone who contacted the police to provide information about the possible causes of the fire.”


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