UPDATED: Crime scene investigators from the mainland are working with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to identify the cause of this morning’s fire in Shanklin.
A fire investigation team have come together at the scene of the large fire, which at its height saw around 40 firefighters, 7 pumping appliances and 2 aerial ladder platforms working to bring the blaze under control.
7 people were evacuated from their homes at just gone 03:00 and a 39-year-old man was hospitalised after being rescued from a window.
It remains unclear as to whether or not the incident is being treated as suspicious, but it is understood 2 seats of fire were discovered. Investigations continue.
Cllr Jon Gilbey, the Mayor of Shanklin, has praised the work of the emergency services:
“It’s amazing how our emergency services just kick into auto pilot when dealing with high impact and volatile situations such as this.
“I’m really grateful to all of them for preventing what could have been an extremely serious and life threatening incident”.
UPDATE @ 13:05 – An 18-year-old man from Newport has been arrested on suspicion of arson, it has been confirmed.
The teenager remains in Police custody this afternoon as investigations continue.
