Arson suspect in custody after leaving hospital
BBCA man, who was arrested and taken to hospital following a fire involving four city-centre buildings, is in police custody.
The fire broke out in The Square, Winchester, on Monday at about 06:00 BST. At its height more than 50 firefighters in 10 fire engines were at the scene.
Hampshire Police said the man, in his 50s, who was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, had left hospital after being treated for inhalation injuries.
A joint investigation by the fire service and police is underway to establish the cause of the fire. A cordon remains in place blocking pedestrian access from High Street and vehicle access from Market Street.
Winchester MP Danny Chambers praised the fire service for its "rapid and effective" response to the fire.
Posting on social media, he wrote: "Some of the shops and buildings in this part of Winchester are as much as 900 years old, which makes it even more challenging if a fire takes hold.
"This is the busiest time of year, especially for hospitality, so the next priority is to make sure that the businesses get the support they need to reopen as soon as possible."
