An investigation into a string of arson attacks in East Cowes has been filed by Police as their prime suspect – Clive South – has died, Island Echo can exclusively reveal.
Between July 2022 and June 2023, almost a dozen vehicles were deliberately set alight in the York Avenue, Mayfield Road, Victoria Grove and Kent Avenue areas causing around £400,000 of damage.
Then, on 16th June last year, a residential property went up in flames on Princess Close. Bizarrely, the same property was at the centre of another fire in 2018 when 2 vehicles caught alight on the driveway.
Island Echo can now reveal that the house was occupied by Clive South – a locally known football league chairman and former business owner. The 57-year-old soon became the Police’s prime suspect for the arsons – which included setting his own campervan on fire.
South was arrested on suspicion of arson at his temporary accommodation on Kingslea Park, East Cowes – displacement brought about by the fire at his own home – on 1st September last year.
Island Echo understands that South had disgruntlement with his campervan and tried to return the vehicle to the dealer shortly before the fire, later getting a replacement on the insurance payout. This new vehicle was seized by Police upon his arrest last September.
Over the past 12 months, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has been investigating the fires, bailing their suspect on numerous occasions before releasing him under investigation.
However, on 17th August, Police learnt that Clive South had died. The circumstances of his death are not yet known.
Police say they have been following up every available line of enquiry over the course of the investigation and also sought early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. It’s thought detectives have brought into question a fire at South’s pizza business in Ryde – Dino’s – back in 1996.
Following Clive South’s death, officers have been conducting a careful review of the evidence available. With no other suspects or lines of enquiry, a decision has been made for the investigation to be filed – pending any further information coming to light.
Police say that since South’s home was set alight in June 2023, no further reports connected to the series of arson attacks have been made to Police.
Some people couldn’t detect their way out of a paper bag.