A 26-year-old man from Ryde has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a fire at a residential property in Haylands overnight.
As first reported by Island Echo, emergency services rushed to Bettesworth Road just before 01:00 this morning (Saturday) following reports of a kitchen ablaze.
Firefighters from Ryde and Newport arrived to find smoke and flames issuing from the semi-detached home before donning breathing apparatus and tackling the fire with hose reel jets.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service say that they believe the fire was started deliberately, which has prompted a criminal investigation to be launched by Police.
It has been confirmed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary that a 26-year-old man from Ryde was arrested on Ryde Esplanade earlier today on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a kinfe in a public place.
He remains in custody at Newport Police Station at this time.
Officers are maintaining a scene guard outside the property this morning as enquiries into the circumstances of the fire continue.
Island Echo is told that shouting and banging was heard prior to the fire breaking out.
