Chaos erupted in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square last night as a fire was deliberately set during a public order incident just before 11pm.
Fire Started in Guildhall Square
Hampshire Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene after reports of a blaze involving a large pile of rubbish bags. Witnesses said a man deliberately set the rubbish alight in the middle of the square, sparking panic among bystanders.
Man Threatens Woman Trying to Stop Blaze
Tensions soared when a young woman tried to extinguish the fire. The suspect threatened to throw her onto the 1 – a disturbing and vague threat that added to the chaos. He then poured alcohol onto the flames to fuel the inferno.
Arson Suspect Arrested
Police quickly arrived after threats to burn down buildings in nearby Guildhall Walk. One man was arrested at the scene and taken to Portsmouth Central Police Station. He faces questioning over multiple offences linked to the alarming incident.
The disturbance left locals shaken as emergency services scrambled to restore order.
