POLICE are investigating an incident of suspected arson, after fire swept through a house in Bounsalls Lane, Laun­ceston, on Wednes­day, May 13.

Emergency services were called to the address at around 6.50pm and two fire crews from Launceston and one from Callington attended.

The detached property, measuring approximately ten metres by five metres, is converted into two separate flats.

'WELL ALIGHT'

When the crews arrived, they found the first floor well alight.

Launceston Station Officer Gary Chapman said initially officers went into the building to search for occupants as it was thought there were people inside. How­ever, they couldn't get up the stairs as they were burnt through.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to tackle the fire and quickly got it under control in the flat of origin. The flat on the other side was smoke damaged.

INVESTIGATED

The incident was investigated by police and the fire service, including the fire investigation dog, and it was found that the cause was deliberate.

No-one was inside the building and no injuries were sustained as a result of the fire.

S/O Chapman said the fire was very serious and added: "It was fortunate that no-one was in there."

The Launceston firefighters were quickly on the scene and officers remained there until around 10pm, as lots of the roof was badly damaged.

A number of people have been helping police with their inquiries.