Fresh appeal after major Plymouth fire
Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses to a large-scale fire within a Plymouth block of flats earlier this month.
A joint police and fire service investigation is being carried out to establish the cause of the fire in , Devonport, on 3 June.
The fire began in one of the flats and caused extensive damage to neighbouring homes in the block. A number of resClowance Streetidents have been temporarily re-homed as a result of the blaze.
A 14-year-old boy from Plymouth has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has been released on police bail until 13 July.
Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fire and police are working with the fire service to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
As part of the enquiry, officers are appealing to witnesses or residents who have not yet spoken to police to come forward.
Sergeant Steve Fleetwood, neighbourhood team leader for Devonport, said: “We are keen to ensure that we have spoken to everyone who has any involvement in this incident, including residents and witnesses. If they haven’t spoken to us or passed their details we would like to hear from them.
“Police continue to work with partner agencies, including Plymouth Community Homes and Plymouth City Council, to help affected residents where we can.
“The neighbourhood team is offering a reassuring presence within the Mount Wise area to help alleviate residents’ concerns. We would remind people not to try to re-enter any of the affected premises and to approach the police and other agencies with any worries they may have.
“Local businesses and members of the public have offered fantastic support in the shape of a large amount of donations of clothing and food to try and minimise disruption to those affected. This has shown the amazing generosity and strength of community spirit in Devonport and across the city.”
The public can find out more about donating items to residents and contact details for all relevant agencies via the Devonport neighbourhood policing team pages. Please follow the team on Twitter via: @devonport_PCSOs or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/devonportneighbourhoodpolice
Anyone who can assist with the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting crime reference CR/038734/15.
