Forensics have arrived at a fire-struck home in Chippenham after police launched an investigation.
The property, named Burnt Cottage because it was destroyed by fire a decade ago, was engulfed in flames this morning (Tuesday) – just months after renovation works were completed by the new owner.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in London Road, opposite The Pack Horse pub, shortly after 1am following reports of the serious blaze.
Less than three weeks ago – on 21 December last year – the same building was targeted in a suspected arson attack.
Shortly after midday, specialist forensics staff from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) and Wiltshire Police joined forces at the severely damaged home.
Work to gather vital evidence and establish if the fire was started deliberately is now underway at the scene.
In a statement from Wiltshire Police, a spokesperson said: “Police were called to an address in London Road, Chippenham, by the fire service shortly after 1am this morning following a report of a fire at the address.
“Enquiries are currently ongoing. Any witnesses to the incident should call 101 and quote log number 8 of January 10.”
DWFRS confirmed that crews from Chippenham and Corsham attended the scene alongside an aerial ladder platform appliance from Swindon.
“Eight breathing apparatus wearers used hose reel jets to extinguish a fire located in the ground floor living room, and a second seat of fire in a ground floor wall cavity”, a spokesperson said.
