Suspected arsonist alleged to have caused Sheffield terraced house fire released on bail
People have lost their homes due to the fire
A man allegedly involved in starting a fire which ravaged a number of homes has been released on bail.
Police confirmed that the 59-year-old had been afforded police bail on Friday (July 24), a day after the incident occurred.
People living across Fox Hill Road were woken up at around 4am on Thursday (July 23) as firefighters rushed to the scene of the blaze, which is understood to have started in a garden before spreading to nearby properties.
At least five homes were damaged as a result of the fire, with another five sustaining heat damage.
Some people have been told that their homes are now ‘uninhabitable’.
In a statement released after the fire service had tackled the blaze, South Yorkshire Police said: “At 3.54am today (Thursday, July 23) officers on patrol in the Fox Hill area of Sheffield became aware of a large fire in fields near to Fox Hill Road.
“Officers and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended and several houses were evacuated.
“Two men were treated for minor injuries. Thankfully, no major injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Several properties were significantly damaged by the fire.
“This morning officers arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage – arson endangering life, and criminal damage – arson not endangering life.”