Three charged with arson over Portsmouth Travelodge fire

Three people have been charged with arson following a fire at a hotel in Portsmouth city centre.

Guests were evacuated from the Travelodge in Stanhope Road shortly after 11.00pm on Tuesday when flames broke out in a bedroom on the seventh floor.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said "all persons were accounted for" and no one was injured.

An 18-year-old man from Portsmouth, a 19-year-old woman from Portsmouth, and an 18-year-old woman from Totton were arrested.

• Joe Douglas Afrifa, 18, of Funtington Road in Portsmouth has been charged with arson.

• Toa Sinead Barton, aged 19 of Willersley Close in Paulsgrove has been charged with arson and affray.

• Amy Jane Newman, 18, of Hammonds Lane in Totton has been charged with arson and affray.

They were remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Thursday.

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