Residents 'frightened' after arson attack on Isle of Wight

UPDATE: Man arrested following alleged arson attack at Binstead property

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) were alerted to reports of a house fire on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead shortly before midnight yesterday (Sunday, July 28).

Firefighters from Ryde and Newport were sent to the scene, and breathing apparatus and hose reel jets were used to put out the ground-floor blaze.

The affected house on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead (Image: IWCP)

Two people were treated for smoke inhalation by fire crews before being assessed by paramedics. 

Emergency teams used ventilation fans to clear the smoke from the property, and the stop message came in at 12.44am.

Fire investigation officers are expected to attend later today (Monday, July 29) because it is believed the fire was set deliberately, a HIWFRS spokesperson said. 

This morning, the full extent of the blaze was clear to see, with the charred remains of the house's interior visible from the street outside, fire damage from the front door up to the guttering and scorched bedroom curtains. 

Police at the scene of a suspected arson attack on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead (Image: IWCP)

A cordon has been put in place, and police have remained on the scene.

One family, who live near the affected property, are temporarily moving out of their house and staying with a relative due to being frightened and fearful of staying in their home, the County Press was told.

The area has seen several fires in recent times, a relative of the family said, explaining that this is nothing new.

Another passing resident said: "This is the third one now in this vicinity."

Police are conducting enquiries, speaking to nearby residents and maintaining a presence in the area. 

Arson attack at a property on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead (Image: IWCP)