UPDATED: A man reporting that there was smoke in his house to the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service prompted a two-appliance response this evening (Wednesday), only for it to be discovered that the call was a hoax.
Two appliances from Newport and East Cowes Fire Stations were called to Clarence Road, East Cowes at around 22:30 following reports of a possible house fire. Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered there was in fact no fire.
Island Echo understands the gentleman who made the call suffers from mental health issues and also called the fire service earlier this evening. He was later detained on York Avenue by several Police units.
Local residents have reported that he may have been carrying a weapon.
Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service were called to York Avenue to assess the man, alongside a rapid response vehicle.
UPDATE THURSDAY: Island Echo understands firefighters attending last night’s shout were threatened with knives, sparking a Police response to the incident.
No persons were injured.