Teenager arrested after derelict care home destroyed by fire in Hampshire
Police investigation underway following blaze on London Road in Liss
An 18-year-old man from Portsmouth has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a derelict care home in Liss, East Hampshire.
Emergency services were called to the incident at 23:15 on 18th August, when a blaze engulfed the first, second, and third floors, as well as the roof of the building on London Road near Rake.
Fire crews from Odiham, Basingstoke, Fareham, Fleet, Bordon, Alton, Rushmoor, Grayshott, Havant, Liphook, Cosham, Southsea, and Portchester responded, utilising hose reel jets and main jets to tackle the flames.
The building was completely destroyed, and police attended the scene.
Overnight, around 60 firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, which caused the building to collapse.
Debris and embers fell around the area, but no injuries were reported.
At 21:40, firefighters issued a stop message indicating the fire was out.
A cordon remains in place, with the site guarded over concerns regarding the building's structural stability.
The road closure has been lifted, but the public is urged to avoid the area.
As part of ongoing enquiries, the arrested man remains in custody, while the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.