News / Barton Hill
Man arrested on suspicion of arson following tower block fire
A blaze in a Barton Hill tower block that left six people injured and more displaced was started deliberately.
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the fire in Eccleston House that saw the entire building evacuated early on Thursday morning.
Fire crews were called to the tower block on Aiken Street soon after 6am on Thursday, where they battled the blaze that started on the ground floor and spread to the outside of the building.
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Residents sought refuge and support in nearby St Patrick’s Church and Tawfiq Masjid & Centre, where there are people on hand to help with food, clothing, access to medicines and other welfare and care needs.
Three people were hospitalised for burns or smoke inhalation, with a further three casualties treated by ambulance crews at the scene.
Speaking on Thursday morning, Yassin Mohamud, a Green councillor for Lawrence Hill who lives in Barton Hill, said there was a lot of fear among residents in the wake of the second serious tower block fire in less than a month as the community rallied together.
Abdul Elmi’s mum lives on the second floor of Eccleston House and he was staying with her on Wednesday night.
Describing what they went through on Thursday, he said: “In the morning, around five o’clock, someone knocked on our door saying ‘fire, fire’ fire’.
“I didn’t hear a fire alarm but there was a lot of noise with a lot of people who live in the building shouting ‘fire’.
“When I opened the door, I saw a lot of people running outside and I took my mum outside. Now she’s staying with a neighbour.”
Avon and Somerset Police said: “Avon Fire & Rescue Service have confirmed the fire was started deliberately. This afternoon (Thursday), a man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.”
The statement added: “We’re grateful to the community for their support for the displaced residents, with rest centres at Tawfiq Masjid and Centre and St Patrick’s Catholic Church. Bristol City Council-led teams are working to help residents with welfare, care and accommodation needs.”
Fire crews battled the blaze in Eccleston House fire in Barton Hill early on Thursday morning – photo: Martin Booth
Anyone with information that could help the police investigation is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5222252558.
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read next:
- Community rallies together in wake of tower block fire
- ‘I was scared for my life and my son’s life’ – tower block residents recall night of fire
- Twinnell House residents demand answers on ‘inadequate’ fire safety measures
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