Police Appeal After Arson Attack

23 June 2011, 12:58 | Updated: 23 June 2011, 13:10

Police are appealing for more information as an investigation continues into an alleged arson attack on a house in Portsmouth.

Emergency services were called to an address in Chelmsford Road between 1.50pm and 2pm on Friday, April 8, 2011.

The fire led to the discovery of a suspected cannabis factory. Initially it was thought the fire was caused accidentally by electrical faults. However, it’s now believed the fire was started deliberately.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Allison Fraser of Portsmouth CID said:

“A full forensic examination of the house was completed, police removed the suspected cannabis factory and then handed the house back to the owner for renovation and repair.

“We can now release CCTV images of a man we want to speak to in connection with this inquiry. We are particularly interested in talking to a man that was seen in the area at the time of the fire.”

He is described as:

- Oriental appearance
- Aged in his 30s to 40s
- Black hair
- Wearing a red baseball cap with a logo
- A black jacket with two white stripes on the front and arms
- Blue jeans
- Dark footwear

Arson suspect

Please contact DC Allison Fraser at Fratton Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing http://www..hampshire.police.uk/Internet/contact/message_officer.htm.

From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.