A GoFundMe has been launched to help a family get back on their feet after a suspected arson attack at their home on the Isle of Wight.

The fire, on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead, ripped through the ground floor of Mandi Stafford’s family home overnight on Sunday.

The full extent of the blaze was clear to see on Monday morning, 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. 

Suspected arson attack at home on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead Suspected arson attack at home on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead (Image: IWCP)

Milford Del, who is one of Mandi’s colleagues, has set up a fundraiser for the family in the hopes of raising £10,000.

Milford said: “Our dear colleague Mandi Stafford and her family have been left in a terrible situation after an arson attack on their home in Binstead, leaving the property in devastation.

“We are raising funds to support Mandi and her family to get back on their feet after this disaster has struck.”

Suspected arson attack at home on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead Suspected arson attack at home on Sherbourne Avenue in Binstead (Image: IWCP)


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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.

As previously reported by the County Press, a 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

At the scene, residents told us this was the third such incident in the vicinity in recent times, while others shared their fear of living in the area.

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

An appeal launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for information into the incident is still active.

A police spokesperson told the County Press yesterday: "The investigation remains ongoing, and we ask that anyone with information about this incident report it to police on 101, quoting 44240321574."