Aldermaston house fire suspected arson

Flames leapt through roof in blaze battled five hours

A HOUSE fire which spread to the roof at an Aldermaston property, which was battled for five hours by firefighters from two counties, was this week put down to a suspected arson.

In a statement released yesterday (Thursday, August 4), Thames Valley Police (TVP) confirmed the cause as a suspected arson, following the fire on the evening of Sunday, July 24, after being called to the scene at 6.45pm.

This followed a police investigation into the incident of almost three weeks ago, with no arrests as of Thursday, police have also confirmed.

According to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, four fire engines were called to the empty Paices Hill property, including two from Newbury, one from Kingsclere and a fourth from Tadley, at 6.25pm on July 24.

Flames were discovered leaping through the roof on arrival.

No-one was hurt.

Firefighters used two hosereels and two jets to extinguish the blaze, which they battled for over five hours to contain. They left the scene at 11.17pm.

Information as to the full extent of the damage was not available from the police or the fire service, however it is believed the roof of the property was destroyed in the incident.

TVP have appealed for further information about the incident. Telephone the police non-emergency number, 101.

PHOTOGRAPH ROYAL BERKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE