Police probe fire at youth housing centre

By Emily Pearce

Thursday, December 3, 2009

POLICE are continuing to investigate a fire at a youth housing scheme in Newport.

Firefighters were called to Atkinson House, at Atkinson Drive, shortly after 1.30am on Tuesday last week, after a fire broke out in a garden shed.

It is thought the fire could have been started deliberately after a smell of petrol was reported.

Police were called to the scene.

Atkinson house scheme manager Jim Bodle said: "Our scheme worker was alerted to the fire by a resident. All residents were evacuated from the building and thankfully no-one was hurt.

"We are working with the police to help establish the cause of the fire. The welfare of our residents is very important to us and we are carrying out a series of fire safety talks to help educate residents about personal fire safety measures."

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk