Hampshire Constabulary has launched an arson investigation after a fire at a derelict care home in Sandown yesterday (Sunday).
As first reported by Island Echo, firefighters from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to the former Stonehaven assisted living facility – which has been empty for several years – at just before 17:00.
3 appliances, an aerial ladder platform, and an incident command unit all rushed to the scene after smoke was reported to be coming from the roof of the building – having initially started in one of the disused bedrooms.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said:
“We are investigating a fire which took place at the abandoned Stonehaven Care Home on Carter Street, Sandown.
“Police were called by the fire service at around 5.30pm on Sunday 23 May.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the fire, which is being treated as arson.
“Playing with flammable materials, or deliberately starting fires recklessly endangers lives and could result in someone being killed.
Article continues below this advertisement “We will be following up all lines of enquiry and encourage anyone with information to call police on 101, quoting 44210199826.”
The fire comes just weeks after another derelict building – the former Ocean Hotel on Sandown’s seafront – was partially destroyed by a blaze, with an investigation also launched into suspected arson.
Who’s going to gain from this ? More flats perhaps ?
All of a sudden, fires in empty buildings after the people of Sandown have taken to posting their views on social media at how bad Sandown looks and it’s a disgrace the length of time buildings have been sitting empty. There’s something strange going!! Or do we have an ARSONISTS in our neighborhood!!!!!????? Either way, setting fires is so WRONG.
More flats, with the insurance paying towards demolition and clearance at OUR expense as policies rise, and lazy Police just give out a ‘crime ref number and victim support phone number’ not wishing to dirty their hands looking for the perpetrator or evidence.