Serious Fire in Winsor Close

- Fri 15th Jun 2007

Troubled East-Hayling cul-de-sac Winsor Close is once again the centre of worrying events after what has been described as a "very serious" fire in the early hours of this morning.

Two fire appliances were called to the close to attend the blaze, which was centred in a stairwell and the roof of a two-storey residential block. Fire fighters worked to rescue around 8 people from the blaze and had to bring, being forced to remove some by ladder due to the extent of the fire. It is believed that 6 children were amongst those rescued from the building.

This incident is the latest, and most serious incident in a series that have centred around Winsor Close, including several previous fires being deliberately started. Although the cause of this fire is so far unknown, speaking on BBC Radio Solent one senior fire officer indicated that they believed that it had been started deliberately.

The fire started just hours after a meeting of Winsor Close residents had been held to discuss the growing problems in the close.

Despite the severity of the fire, it appears that everyone managed to escape without injury. There is however extensive damage to the buildings and it is likely that several families will have the be rehoused as a result.

On local resident is still believed to be missing since the blaze; Stella the dog. Stella leaped out her Winsor Close home to escape the smoke and is now missing. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Stella please call her owner on 07833594478.

Anyone with any information about the blaze should call Hampshire Police on 0845 0454545. Alternatively, Crimestoppers will take information anonymously on 0800 555 111.

By forum user, Mat

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