'Scared' neighbours have spoken out after a house fire which police think was started deliberately. Police have launched an arson investigation after the blaze which has caused significant damage to a bungalow in Mapperley Park.
Neighbours on Redcliffe Road said that "around five" fire engines were called to the address and part of the road was cordoned off as a result after reports of smoke shortly after 8.20pm, on Saturday night, February 11. They described the 'big smoke' coming from the property, and the 'huge' response from the emergency services.
No one was inside the bungalow during the incident, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed. But the community said they are now scared as the force are treating the incident as arson.
READ MORE: Police launch arson investigation after 'deliberate' fire in Nottingham bungalow
Junaid Dar, a GP who also lives on Redcliffe Road said this is "the biggest incident that ever happened here". He added: "You hear about people breaking into someone's car every now and then - but nothing like this.
"It is scary. I am very scared if police are saying that this was an arson. We never get any incidents like this here."
He described the scene from Saturday night, when he arrived home and the street was cordoned off. The 46-year-old added: "There were at least four fire engines. And there were also like four ambulances as well.
"I had to ask for permission to get into my house as the road was cordoned off."
He added: "It is scary for a number reasons. One is that it happened here, in Mapperley Park. All the houses were are made of wood so it could have been bad if another one caught fire.
"It is just very unusual. I have never seen anything like it before."
Angelo Maligno, also a resident in the area, said he was working in his garage when he noticed "quite a bit of noise, which I found it unusual". He said he was 'shocked' to see the area cordoned off.
The 56-year-old added: "I do not think I have ever seen anything like it in my life before. It is probably the biggest response I have ever seen from the emergency services.
"There were many fire brigades - I think there were around five fire engines. I could not see the flames, but I saw and could smell the smoke. The smell was very strong.
"I could not go further up because the road was cordoned off. Obviously I feel very bad for my neighbours, it is terrible.
"I think we were reassured because we are further down the road and we are also on the opposite side. So we did not think we were in danger."
A resident on Redcliffe Road, who did not wish to be named, added: “I was away last night and I only came back at 11am today.
“The road was very wet so I thought it was a water problem at first. But then I saw the police and thought to myself that something is not right.
“I hope no one got injured. It’s a really nice area, I’ve lived here for 15 years and never had any issues.”
Another neighbour said she was “oblivious” and thought the smell of smoke was coming from a candle inside her home. She added: “It was only when someone I know here told me that there was smoke coming from my neighbour’s house. That’s when I got out and someone had already call the emergency services.
“There was a lot of smoke. And the roof is gone. I am worried for the neighbours and concerned for them.”
A crime scene investigation van was at the scene on Sunday morning, February 12. Detectives were seen entering the property and carrying out their investigation around the building.
Detective Sergeant Scott Walker, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have launched an arson investigation following this incident and would now appeal to the public for information. Thankfully no individuals were present in the property at the time of the fire and no injuries were sustained.
“Deliberately starting a fire is absolutely unacceptable. The consequences can be devastating and we will work with our colleagues at the fire service to fully investigate reports of arson and bring offenders to justice.
“We would urge anyone with information to get in touch with Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 688 of 11 February 2023.”
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