Arson attack destroys two new-build homes

Police are investigating an arson attack at a building site which has destroyed two new-build homes in Cambridgeshire.

The force was notified of the blaze at the development in Houghton Road, St Ives, by the fire service at about 10pm on Friday (6th October).

Two properties were well alight and have been severely damaged.

Nearby roads were closed due to the thickness of the smoke in the area.

Police are working closely with fire service investigators, who this morning concluded the cause was arson.

The scene has been cordoned off and a police presence remained in the area throughout Saturday.

Detective Inspector Nicola Lamport said: “This fire has caused a considerable amount of damage and while there is no estimate on the cost at this time, two new-build properties have been destroyed, meaning it will likely be hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“There was also inconvenience for local people with the smoke and the resulting road closure.

“We are treating the fire as arson so I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anything at all suspicious.”

Anyone with information should report it to police online or call 101 and quote incident number 585 of 6 October.