MAN AT CENTRE OF BINSTEAD ARSON INVESTIGATION BAILED UNTIL OCTOBER

A 37-year-old man at the centre of an arson investigation following a fire at a property in Binstead last month has been bailed until October. As first reported by Island Echo, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was called to Sherbourne Avenue to reports of a property fire at around 23:45 on the evening of Sunday 28th July. 3 appliances from Ryde and Newport were mobilised to the scene, with crews arriving to discover flames erupting from the front door reaching up to the height of the roof. The semi-detached home was significantly affected, with smoke damage evident on both the ground and 1st floors. The front door – which has now been boarded up – was completely destroyed. Luckily, no serious injuries were sustained although 2 casualties were treated for smoke inhalation before being passed into the care of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. However, they have confirmed that he has since been bailed until 30th October as investigations continue. Some residents in the local area made the choice to temporarily move out of their homes following the incident, amid fears for their safety.