Arson Hunt Underway After Blaze Tears Through Fort Gilkicker
Firefighters and police are on high alert following a fierce blaze that tore through the historic Fort Gilkicker in Gosport. The fire broke out in an abandoned wooden shed, reducing it to rubble and sending flames leaping as far as Lee-on-the-Solent seafront.
Flames Rip Through Historic Fort
The fire service rushed to the scene at 5:17pm, deploying thirty firefighters, four fire engines, and a water carrier to battle the intense blaze. Crew members battled flames that smashed through the roof of the derelict structure, visible for miles around.
Arson Investigation Launched
Just nine minutes later, at 5:26pm, Hampshire Constabulary was alerted about the fire at the disused wooden shed inside Fort Gilkicker. Police and fire investigators now confirm the incident is being treated as arson.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “The shed was completely burnt out. The incident is being treated as arson.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you saw anything suspicious near Fort Gilkicker around the time of the fire or have details that could aid the inquiry, call Hampshire Police on 101.
Quote crime reference number 44190092488 when contacting police.
