Appeal after suspected arson attack, Sherford

Detectives are appealing for information following a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in Sherford, Plymouth, which endangered the lives of 30 residents.

Emergency services were called around 2.30am on Friday 19 September, after the blaze started in the four-storey building on Aquila Drive.

The fire is believed to have been deliberately started in the communal entrance to the building and quickly engulfed the main staircase.

A total of 28 people were trapped and had to be rescued by the fire service while a further two residents managed to get themselves to safety.

All were checked by paramedics and 18 people were treated for smoke inhalation with six of those taken to hospital as a precaution.

Around 20 per cent of the building was damaged by fire with the remainder suffering minor smoke damage.

Fire investigators have deemed the fire as suspicious and police are treating the incident as suspected arson.

A scene guard was put in place at the property while officers carried out further investigations including house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses and urging residents to check their CCTV and doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity in the area between 1.40am and 2.20am on Friday 19 September.

Detective Inspector Katy Deer said: “We are investigating a report of a fire that we believe was started deliberately in the communal entrance of a residential property. We believe it was started using an accelerant and it quickly spread into the whole stairwell.

“This fire put the lives of 30 people at risk and could have had devastating and fatal consequences. It is down to sheer luck and the swift actions of residents and neighbours, the firefighters and the police officers that no-one was killed.

“If you live in Sherford or were driving through and saw anything suspicious then we would urge you to please get in touch. If you have information about who could have started this fire, we would encourage you to report it, even if anonymously.

“We would also ask residents to check their CCTV or doorbell cameras for any activity they may have been captured between 1.40am and 2.20am. 

“Our officers are exploring all CCTV opportunities as our investigation continues.”

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference 50250243421.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.