Police are treating a fire that broke out at a house in Ryde during the early hours of this morning (Saturday) as suspicious.
It was just before 01:00 that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a residential property fire on Bettesworth Road, Haylands.
Firefighters from Ryde and Newport arrived to find smoke and flames issuing from the semi-detached home before donning breathing apparatus and tackling the blaze with hose reel jets.
It has been confirmed that the fire broke out in the kitchen to the rear of the house.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised a paramedic crew and an operational commander to the scene but, thankfully, no persons were injured.
Investigations are now underway into the circumstances of the blaze which has caused significant fire and smoke damage.
Island Echo is told that shouting and banging was heard prior to the fire breaking out.
Police are maintaining a scene guard outside the property this morning.
UPDATE @ 09:49 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has arrested a 26-year-old on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/26-year-old-detained-on-suspicion-of-arson-after-ryde-kitchen-blaze/.
