Arson arrest after terraced houses damaged in fire

A man has been arrested after a fire which started in a garden caused significant damage to a terrace of houses in Sheffield.

Five properties on Fox Hill Road in Grenoside were affected by the blaze which burned out of control at about 04:00 BST.

Several residents had to be evacuated and were offered emergency accommodation, with two men suffering minor injuries.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed a 59-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage offences.

A statement from the force said: "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."

It continued: "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."

The arrested man remained in police custody for questioning, the force added.

Road closures were in place on Fox Hill Road, Salt Box Lane and Wilcox Road.

In a statement, the fire service said an investigation into the cause of the fire would begin.

"Our thoughts are with all the residents affected by this very serious fire," they added.

Helena Claxton, 20, whose home backs on to the gardens of Fox Hill Road, said she was awoken by loud "cracking and popping" at about 03:30.

"By the time I looked out my window, a big gulf of fire had already set up in the trees," she said.

"It was pure panic. When I spoke to 999 I couldn't remember where I lived. I couldn't get my words out at all."

The fire damaged her garden and has cracked, warped and burned the windows at the back of the house, she said.

"In that moment of panic I grabbed what I could - I grabbed my favourite teddy and computer and chargers and I ran outside in my pyjamas," she said.

"We went into my neighbour's house and as she opened her back doors, the heat that flew through - we knew instantly we couldn't stay inside.

"We had to leave, we had to run out into the street and that's when they started to evacuate people."

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service station manager Tom Robjohns said the "impact of this fire has been quite severe" and warned residents against barbecues and bonfires.

"We have endured quite a long spate of warm and dry conditions. My ask would be that we take care, especially when handling barbecues, having fires and in general always have smoke alarms in all properties," he said.

A further five properties had been affected alongside the five that received damage, he said, and thanked residents for raising the alarm in the early hours of the morning.

"Them coming together has stopped us having any serious injuries from this fire," he said.

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