Major blaze in Portsmouth apartment block in Grafton Street 'deliberately started', police believe as they launch arson witness appeal

POLICE believe a major blaze in a city centre apartment block last night was the result of arson, with officers calling for any witnesses to come forward.
Richard Lemmer
By Richard Lemmer
Published 12th May 2022, 11:06 BST
Updated 12th May 2022, 11:12 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

More than 50 firefighters were scrambled to the fire in the Grafton Street apartment block yesterday at 3.52pm.

Residents described to The News the ‘petrifying’ scenes during their evacuation as the blaze tore across the top of the four-storey building.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

No one was injured or required treatment, and no one was in the flat at the time.

A major fire broke out in an apartment building in Grafton Street, Portsmouth on 11th May 2022. Picture: Habibur RahmanA major fire broke out in an apartment building in Grafton Street, Portsmouth on 11th May 2022. Picture: Habibur Rahman
A major fire broke out in an apartment building in Grafton Street, Portsmouth on 11th May 2022. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Read More
Mum of missing boy found hiding in his own bed in Bishop's Waltham thanks police...

Now police are appealing for witnesses as the initial enquiries suggest the fire was not an accident.

Det Con Hollie Loader said: ‘Our initial enquiries have led us to believe this fire was deliberately started, and officers will remain in Grafton Street today as we continue to investigate.

‘Fortunately, nobody was injured and the flat in question was empty at the time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Fire in Grafton Street.Fire in Grafton Street.
Fire in Grafton Street.

‘We are keen to speak with anyone who may have any information about the fire, or who saw or heard anything suspicious yesterday afternoon.

‘If you can assist, please call 101, quoting the reference 44220186268. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’

Firefighters were sent to the scene from across Hampshire, including Southsea, Cosham, Portchester, Havant, Eastleigh, Fareham, Hayling Island, St Mary’s, Waterlooville, Beaulieu and Alton.