Investigation launched into deliberate blaze at old Bristol sports centre
Avon and Somerset Police believe the fire at the old Whitchurch Sports Centre was started deliberately
Police say they believe a huge blaze at an old sports centre in Bristol started deliberarely.
A witness appeal has been launched by the force following the incident, which happened at around 10am yesterday (August 9).
Emergency services were called to the old Whitchurch Sports Centre, in Bamfield, Whitchurch following reports about a fire in one of the back buildings of the site.
This fire later spread into the main building.
A number of roads were closed around the building and police have confirmed no one was hurt in the incident - however, around 50 households in Paddock Garden were evacuated as a safety precaution because of the smoke.
They were allowed back in their homes at around 7.30pm.
The fire service stepped away from the site at around 10pm but carried out various checks throughout the night and today (August 10), police remain at the scene.
Crime Scene Investigators and Avon Fire and Rescue Service's investigators have deemed the building unsafe to enter.
They are now treating it as an arson investigation.
South Bristol Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Chris Starr said: "We understand this has been an stressful time for local residents and we would like to ensure everyone that we will conduct a thorough investigation.
"We would like to thank the public for their support and understanding while we carry out enquiries and to those who were evacuated from their homes.
"Our officers will now be working with the fire investigators, our CID and the council to carry out CCTV trawls and house-to-house enquiries.”
Officers are keen to speak with anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious from 9.30am yesterday, or if anyone has any dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage around the sports centre site.
They say they are especially keen to speak with four young people, believed to be two boys and two girls, who were seen in the area around the time and may have information which could aid with their investigation.
Insp Starr added: “We are aware there are some rumours around this incident and we would ask people not to speculate while our enquiries are ongoing.
“We are aware of an increase in calls relating to antisocial behaviour around the site in recent weeks. At this stage it is far too early to speculate whether any of these previous incidents are linked to the fire but we will keep an open mind while investigations work is ongoing.”
Witnesses or anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage is asked to please contact 101 and quote reference 5223192246.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.