Witness appeal after fire was started at block of flats in Cheltenham

Police are appealing for witnesses to a suspected arson at a block of flats in Cheltenham last night (Monday 31 March).

Emergency services were called to Goldsmith Road in the St Marks area at around 11pm with a report that residents had awoken to a loud bang and found a lit firework.

Three people were able to leave without being injured and the fire was extinguished by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service a short while afterwards.

The building sustained superficial damage as a result of the fire.

No arrests have been made however enquiries are ongoing to establish what happened.

Investigating officers have conducted house to house and forensic enquiries and would now like to hear from anyone who has ring doorbell, CCTV or dashcam footage in the area from between 11pm and midnight. They would also like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed anyone running away at the time.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 530 of 31 March: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

You can also submit information anonymously by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously