Man arrested on suspicion of arson after Bromsgrove blaze

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A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a blaze in Bromsgrove this morning (Wednesday), which seriously damaged the building it broke out in.

The 50-year-old is being held by officers after the fire, which started at around 3.45am in the converted loft of a three-storey house in Worcester Road.

Firefighters informed police and it was feared that people were inside the building but, luckily, the person inside escaped and there was no one in there when the emergency services arrived.

Two crews from Bromsgrove, two from Droitwich, one from Kidderminster and one from Redditch battled the blaze, which gutted the loft area, destroyed part of the roof and caused severe smoke damage throughout the property. A hydraulic platform from Worcester Fire Station was also used.

Det Sgt Nick Husbands of Bromsgrove CID said: “It was quite an intense fire and residents from an adjoining home and around half a dozen cottages immediately behind it were evacuated.

"However they were allowed to return to their properties within a couple of hours."

Officers believe the fire was started deliberately and the man, who was arrested in Rock Hill a short time later, is currently being questioned at Redditch Police Station.

"We are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident," added the spokesperson.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's Group Commander Grant Wills said: “This was a significant and challenging fire but our firefighters worked quickly to stop it from spreading and to extinguish it as quickly as possible.

"We worked closely with our police and ambulance service colleagues at the scene.”

Witnesses or anyone with any information should call Bromsgrove CID as soon as possible on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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