UPDATED: Witness appeal following suspected arson attack at block of flats in Salisbury
Four people were brought to safety after a fire broke out in the centre of the city
Last updated 26th Jul 2021
Wiltshire Police are looking to speak to witnesses of a fire at a block of flat on Blackfriars Way, they think it was started deliberately.
The force say the blaze put the lives of vulnerable elderly residents at risk.
There were no reported injuries but three residents were treated for smoke inhalation.
A number of flats have been left with fire and smoke damage, with some residents having to move to temporary accommodation.
DI Dean Garvin of CID said: “We are keeping an open mind in this investigation, but currently all the signs point to the idea that this fire was started deliberately.
“These flats contacted elderly and vulnerable people. This fire put their lives at risk. If not for the swift actions of our colleagues in Fire and Rescue who extinguished this fire and evacuated residents, the potential consequences of this do not bear thinking about.
“I would urge those responsible to consider their actions, do the right thing and hand themselves in. We have a team of detectives working the case. I am confident we will find out who you are. Equally, if there is anyone who can help us with our enquiries into this incident, please contact us as a matter of urgency.”
Police would like to speak to three young people who were seen in the vicinity shortly before the fire, two males and a female. One of the males was riding a white bicycle.
THE FIRE WAS STARTED LAST NIGHT
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service say they were called out to Blackfriars Way at around 10pm last night (Sunday 25th July).
A fire had started in the stairwell of the building which then spread to the first floor and affected three of the homes.
Four fire crews attended, two from Salisbury, one from Amesbury and one from Fordingbridge, and four breathing apparatus wearers used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.
Four people were brought to safety, including one before crews were on scene, and one by firefighters using a ladder.
The blaze came to a stop at around 12:16am this morning, with the last fire crew leaving not long after 1am.
CAN YOU HELP?
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Police on 101 quoting log 54210072223.
To report anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.