Arson Probe Launched After Shocking Blaze in Shanklin
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police have launched a criminal investigation after a fierce fire tore through a Shanklin property late Saturday night. The two-storey building, located behind a hair salon on High Street, went up in flames just after 10.30pm.
Man Drunk, Sets Sofa on Fire
Minutes before the blaze erupted, a man under the influence of alcohol broke into the rented property. Witnesses say he deliberately set fire to a sofa inside, sparking a fast-spreading inferno that engulfed the house.
40 Firefighters Battle Blaze Through the Night
At the peak of the fire, 40 firefighters from six local stations raced to the scene to prevent the flames from jumping to neighbouring buildings. Fire crews remained on site throughout the night to fully contain the damage.
The incident remains under investigation by police and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue teams.
