Break-in at flats left empty after fire

News imageDWFRS Smoke and orange glow from fire coming from roof of block of flats at Keel House, Dorchester Road, Weymouth - it is night/dark.DWFRS
The fire was on the top floor of Keel House - a block of 32 flats in Weymouth on Dorchester Road

A block of flats left empty after a fire in Weymouth has been broken into.

The fire in Keel House, on Dorchester Road, broke out in a top-floor flat on 20 September shortly before 00:40 BST.

Flames spread to the building's roof space, and residents from all 32 flats were forced to leave. Dorset Police said entry was believed to have been gained to the building on Monday shortly after midday.

Aster Group, which manages the building, said it had increased security by blocking off more access points and understood that no individual flats had been entered.

"We understand the additional concern this will have caused at an already distressing time," the housing firm said.

"Based on the information available to us, we understand that no individual flats were entered as part of the reported incident.

"We recognise this has been an extremely difficult and upsetting time for everyone affected by the fire at Keel House."

News imageDWFRS Roof of block of flats seen from above with large amounts of smoke and pockets of flames seen.DWFRS
The fire in the early hours of 20 September spread to the roof of the building

Police said a glass door was reported damaged, but it had not been confirmed if anything had been taken. An investigation is ongoing.

Residents have been staying in temporary accommodation since the fire.

Aster Group said it was "too early" to confirm when people were likely to be able to return to their homes as inspections and assessments were ongoing.

Following the fire, a man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The were both released on police bail.

A police and fire investigation to determine the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said 30 firefighters worked to tackle the flames at the height of the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Community groups, including the town's food bank, a charity shop and Dorchester United Football Club have also been offering support to those displaced.