Buckland residents describe loud bang after suspected arson attack causes occupants to flee flat in Portsmouth

Police have confirmed the fire may have been started deliberately with the property’s bin having been set alight.

Three occupants were forced to flee the property at 5.30am this morning (February 7) after being alerted to the danger by a a smoke alarm.

Stacey Curry, 39, said: ‘My ex partner woke me to say he had heard a loud explosion. When I looked outside I could see flashing blue lights and firefighters around a flat. I saw a woman in her night clothes on the phone.’

Concerned for her children’s safety, Stacey went outside to see what was happening.

She added: ‘My flat is very close to the property and I was concerned my children might be at risk. I spoke with the police who said there had been a fire but it was now extinguished.’

Another neighbour who asked to remain anonymous was awoken as emergency services arrived to deal with the incident.

He said: ‘All I could see was flashing blue lights coming in through the bedroom window. When I looked outside I saw the fire engines and three police cars.

‘Firefighters were busy hooking the hose up but I couldn’t see any flames.’

The immediate vicinity around the property was cordoned off by the police and fire investigation officers could be seen trying to find out the cause of the blaze.

Neighbour Eunice Groves, 69, said: ‘My son went out to cycle to work this morning and he called me to say he could not go his usual route as the area had been blocked off off by police.

‘I just hope everyone is okay.’

A statement from Hampshire police said: ‘We were called around 5.30am today to a report of a bin having been set alight in Seymour Close. The fire had spread to the front door of a house. Officers have attended and enquiries are ongoing as to the exact cause of the fire.

‘Anyone with information should call 101 and quote reference 44210046640.’

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Two fire appliances and 10 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze.

Crew manager Steve Jolliffe said: ‘This emphasises the importance of having a working smoke alarm and knowing the best way to exit your property.’

The front of the property has suffered ‘serious fire damage’ and is currently not habitable for the residents to return.

Crew manager Jolliffe added: ‘The council will need to find the occupants temporary accommodation in which to live’.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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