Appeal for witnesses as cause of Cheltenham fire is deemed to be suspicious

Officers investigating a fire at a block of flats in Cheltenham are appealing for witnesses as the cause of the fire is now deemed to be suspicious.

Emergency services were called to Lisle House in Clarence Square shortly before 8pm on Thursday (16 November) with a report of a fire within the building.

The fire is believed to have started between 7pm and 8pm on the night and officers would like to hear from anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity.

A 50-year-old woman was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in a critical condition after sustaining smoke inhalation related injuries. She remains in hospital in a stable condition at this time.

A woman in her 60s was also take to hospital for related injuries and a number of other people were assessed at the scene.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and officers are asking anyone with information on what happened or who has relevant dashcam, mobile or CCTV footage to get in contact by completing the following online form and quoting incident 383 of 16 November: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively you can give information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/