Circumstances of flat fire in Newark confirmed by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as deliberate arson attack

The fire service has confirmed the circumstances of a fire at a Newark flat.

Fire and police were called to a flat on Portland Street, Newark, at 1.15am on Tuesday.

It is believed a sofa in the basement had been set alight.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has now told the Advertiser the fire was a deliberate arson attack.

"This was a deliberate fire," said a spokesman.

An area remained cordoned off on Tuesday while the joint investigation into the cause of the fire continued.

Leigh Holmes, district manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Upon arrival four occupants had evacuated the property, and firefighters went on to rescuing two other occupants.

“Crews will be in the local area this afternoon and on Friday to give re-assurance and advice following this incident.”

Detective Sergeant Dave Prest, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any information which could assist us with our inquiries to please come forward.”

If you have information that could help, you should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 26 of December 7.