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Ventnor Arcade Fire: Police End Arson Investigation After Finding 'No Evidence'

Photo from Barbie Hazelgrove.

A fire that destroyed a former arcade on Ventnor Esplanade is no longer being treated as arson, police have told Isle of Wight Radio.

Hampshire Constabulary says "no evidence of third party involvement" has been found.

Officers had launched an investigation to establish the cause of the blaze.

Flames engulfed the derelict building on Tuesday, with firefighters continuing to battle the fire overnight into Wednesday.

Today (Friday), a spokesperson for the force said:

“We have been working alongside our partners in the fire service to investigate the fire which occurred at an arcade in Ventnor on 7th June this year.

“Following a number of enquiries, including speaking to witnesses in the area and reviewing CCTV footage, no evidence of third party involvement has been identified and this is no longer being investigated as an arson.”

 

At the height of the fire, thick black smoke could be seen for miles and nearby residents were told to close doors and windows over fears of smoke inhalation.

The former Gaiety Amusement Arcade had recently been part-demolished as part of plans to convert it into a seafront home.

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