FIREFIGHTERS have labelled a fire that destroyed a former care home as a “deliberate act”.
The fire service revealed the building has a history of entry by youths and anti-social behaviour.
As reported, charity MacIntyre had to close Cottage Farm care home, on Southampton Road in Dibden, Hythe, two years ago.
The fire erupted on Friday night despite nobody living there, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday that the cause was unknown.
But since then, Hampshire Police and the Fire Service have revealed they believe it was arson.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “This was a suspected arson of a derelict building known as Vine Cottage on Southampton Road, Dibden.
"It was reported at 9.32pm on Friday, August 7. The fire caused the roof to collapse in.
“Fire Service believe it was arson and our joint arson investigation team are looking into it.”
While a spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “A Fire Investigation Officer attended the scene, along with a Crime Scene Investigation officer from Hampshire Constabulary on Sunday, but due to the structural damage to the building and the risk of collapse the premises was deemed to be unsafe to enter to carry out a detailed examination.
“There did not appear to be any services to the premises so all accidental causes of ignition were discounted.
"The most likely cause of the fire was deemed to be a deliberate act by person(s) unknown.”
Anyone with information can call 101 quoting 20200807-1502.
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