A woman has died following a deliberate fire block of flats in Devizes this morning.
More than 35 firefighters were involved in tackling the near-fatal blaze at the block in Waiblingen Way at around 1am this morning, Tuesday 17 December.
One woman, understood to be a resident, aged in her 50s, was taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon where she remains in a critical condition.
Eight other people – aged between five and 62 – were assessed at the scene by paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service but did not require hospital treatment.
The Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) is leading the investigation into the incident.
Det Chief Insp Darren Hannant said: “Firstly, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the woman who has tragically died following this fire.
“The investigation is now being led by MCIT, with the assistance of local community officers and CID.
“We have already spoken to a number of local residents and we continue to urge anyone who may have information in relation to any suspicious activity in the area prior to 1am to contact us on 101 if they have not already done so.”
