UPDATE: Murder Investigation Following Brighton Fire

Monday, 11 March 2024 06:31

A murder investigation has begun after a 50-year-old man was declared dead at the scene of a fire at a flat in Preston Road, Brighton on Sunday morning (March 10).

A 36-year-old woman, also found at the scene, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Forensic officers attended the scene as well as police, paramedics and fire crews from all over Sussex.

A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire & Rescue said:

"We were called to a fire in a basement flat of a three-storey building on Preston Road, Brighton at 03:48 on Sunday morning.

"Crews from Preston Circus, Hove, Roedean, Newhaven, Bexhill and Lewes, supported by crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service used breathing apparatus an electric saw and forceable entry to to access the property.

"Pumping equipment and firefighting foam was used to deal with the fire.

"Unfortunately there was one fatality and a female was taken in to the care of the ambulance service.

"The cause of the fire is unknown and a fire investigation will be undertaken."

Sorry, it doesn't look like there's any photos here just yet.

UPDATE:

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said:

"A 36-year-old woman from Brighton, was taken to hospital for treatment and arrested on suspicion of murder.

"Following her discharge from hospital, she was transported to custody for interview and then released on bail.

"The road closure has now been lifted between Ditchling Rise and the junction of Stanford Avenue with traffic resuming as usual.

"Enquiries are ongoing to understand the circumstances of the fire, and we continue to appeal for any information that may assist our enquiries.

"You can contact us by using our online reporting form, or by calling 101 quoting Operation Tunnel."