Police arrest man in Horsham after blaze by block of flats

Police have made an arrest in Horsham after fire crews battled a blaze by a block of flats in the early hours of this morning.
By Sam Dixon-French
Published 28th Sep 2020, 16:14 BST
Updated 30th Sep 2020, 10:25 BST
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The fire service was called at 12.37am to to reports of a fire in the bin store on the ground floor of a four storey block of flats on Station Road in Southwater, a spokesman said.

He added: “Two appliances were mobilised from Horsham Fire Station. Upon arrival crews wearing breathing apparatus worked quickly to extinguish the fire and ensure that all residents had safely evacuated the building.

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“The fire caused around five square metres of damage, and all residents were accounted for. The last crew left the scene at 1.50am.

The scene of the blazeThe scene of the blaze
The scene of the blaze

“The cause of the fire is being investigated by a WSFRS Fire Investigator in conjunction with Sussex Police.”

Police confirmed they were called to the incident at Smithsfield House. A spokesman said the damage was confined to the bin area and there were no casualties.

He added: “Following police enquiries, later the same night a man aged 40 was arrested at an address in Horsham on suspicion of arson endangering life. He is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.”