A MAN has been arrested in what is now being treated as an arson attack in Black Dam.

As reported by the Gazette website(June 20), emergency services were called to a blaze in Park Gardens at around 1.10am.

READ: WOMAN RESCUED FROM BURNING BUILDING

Now, a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in police custody at this time.

Police believe that the fire was started at a ground floor flat, with several other properties being damaged in the process, as well as other flats and roof space being put at risk.

From one of the neighbouring properties, a woman had to be rescued by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

She was taken to Basingstoke hospital by South Central Ambulance Service to be treated for smoke inhalation, though her injuries are not believed to be serious.

Inspector Richard Lane, of Basingstoke Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are treating this as a targeted incident and want to reassure the public there is no risk to the wider community.

“We are continuing to make enquiries and officers from the Neighbourhood Team are carrying out patrols in the area so please speak to them if you have any concerns.”

If anyone has any information in regard to the incident, or CCTV or dashcam footage of anything unusual, they are asked to contact the police on 101 with the reference 44190211701.