A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a shed was completely destroyed by fire in Ryde during the early hours of this morning (Sunday).
2 appliances – 1 wholetime and 1 retained – from Ryde were mobilised to Ashey Road, near the junction with Leighwood Close, at 00:38 to reports of an outbuilding well alight.
Orange flames could be seen glowing in the night sky from across the town.
Crews used hose reels and main jets to extinguish the back garden blaze, but not before it could spread to a neighbouring fence panel.
Firefighters spent just over an hour tackling the fire, returning a stop message at 01:54.
Around 40 minutes into the operation, the fire service alerted Police to concerns over potentially suspicions circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that a 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson.
He remains in custody at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Crime scene investigators from the mainland – including fire investigation dogs – have arrived in Swanmore this morning to conduct on scene investigations.
UPDATE MONDAY – The 45-year-old suspect has been bailed until 27th October, Police have confirmed.
Crime on this small island is getting out of control
Enough is Enough, bring back the Birch.