Police have arrested a 75-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with last night’s residential fire in Newbury.
Yesterday (Tuesday) evening at 7.05pm, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a fire on Skippons Close in Wash Common.
Crews from Newbury, Caversham Road, Hungerford, Mortimer and Theale Fire Stations were sent to the scene, alongside the incident command unit from Maidenhead, an aerial ladder platform from Whitley Wood and three officers and two crews from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.
Pictures from last night’s fire in Skippons Close in Wash CommonPictures from last night’s fire in Skippons Close in Wash Common
Firefighters were at the scene for four hours and 45 minutes before the blaze was extinguished.
One person was rescued from the house by firefighters and placed into the care of South Central Ambulance Service who were at the scene aiding the situation alongside Thames Valley Police.
Police have now confirmed that the person they arrested yesterday evening in connection with the incident was a 75-year-old man from Newbury.
Pictures from last night’s fire in Skippons Close in Wash CommonPictures from last night’s fire in Skippons Close in Wash Common
He has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Police stated that he did not sustain injuries but was taken to hospital, where he remains at this time.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that an investigation will be conducted to establish the cause of the fire.
Police remain at the scene of the fire in Wash Common today
No one was seriously injured in last night’s blaze, but emergency services closed parts of Glendale Avenue, Villiers Way and Enborne Street while they attempted to extinguish the fire.
Fire crews attended the scene of the incident again this morning for reinspection.