Police have launched an arson probe after a building in Swindon was ‘set on fire’.
Firefighters raced to reports of a blaze at Whitbourne House, a derelict former care home, at around 2.47am this morning (Thursday).
The property was found to be “well alight” on arrival, with crews from Swindon, Stratton and Westlea dispatched to the serious incident.
An aerial ladder platform appliance was also utilised to reach the the roof – where flames could be seen leaping several metres into the sky.
A main jet and hose were used by firefighters to extinguish the inferno. It took around three hours to stop the fire and dampen down the building.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that Wiltshire Police also attended – and the blaze is being treated as deliberate.
The force confirmed that officers arrived at around 3.30am and launched an investigation.
“Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting log 17 of today’s date”, a spokesperson said.
Local residents claim that youths regularly access the site, and previously so-called urban explorers have gained access and recorded inside.
