Police launch investigation into Somerstown flat blaze

Police in Portsmouth have launched an investigation into a flat fire after reports that neighbours heard shouting before hearing banging on a door before a blaze broke out.

It comes after 2 fire appliances and a fire officer were sent to a a property in Crabbe Court, Portsmouth at 12.20 am.

Fire crews arrived to find a fire had started in the living room of a ground floor flat.

They quickly extinguished the fire and a stop call came in at 1.11am.

Police have since placed a cordon around the flat, which has damage to a window pane and is boarded up.

Officers were seen guarding the cordon of the flat whilst a fire investigation team arrived at the scene at around 10am.

Police have been seen doing door-to-door enquires around the close, in the attempt eyewitnesses may have informatuon or CCTV footage.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said there were no fatalities in the blaze.

Residents of Crabbe Court have expressed their concerns around incidents and anti social behaviour in the area, with one saying that due to the issues in the area she is unable to let her children to the park as there are always fights.