Arrests after arson outside homes in Portsmouth

Residents were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after the blaze at 1am outside Treadgolds Warehouse, Bishop Street, Portsea.

The moped had been taken from an alleyway in the street and set on fire, Hampshire police said.

The force said firefighters tackled the blaze.

Now three people have been arrested.

A 16-year-old boy from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and arson with intent/reckless as to whether life was endangered.

An 18-year-man from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of assault a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm and arson.

Another 18-year-old man from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent/reckless as to whether life was endangered.

All three have been bailed until May 19.

A police spokeswoman said: ‘At about 1am a moped was taken from an alleyway in Bishop Street and set on fire in front of Treadgolds Warehouse, blocking the exit for the occupants of the building.

‘Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and extinguished the fire.

‘The occupants of the building were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.’

Call police on 101 quoting 44160130446.