The cause of a fire at a derelict house in Douglas is being treated as suspicious.
Police have confirmed arrests have been made.
Emergency services were called out at 7.15pm last night (Tuesday) to reports of smoke issuing from the Hollies, on the Millmount estate at the rear of the NSC.
On arrival, firefighters were met with a well-established blaze in the empty house.
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Due to the condition of the building it was not deemed safe for crews to
enter the property, so all firefighting was conducted from outside.
The aerial ladder platform was employed to direct water in through the roof which had collapsed in some areas due to the heat and flames.
Crews remained in attendance for about four hours, and continue to check the site
periodically to make sure hidden hot spots wouldn’t cause the fire to break out again.
The cause of the blaze is believed to be suspicious, fire chiefs confirmed.
An investigation is being carried out by police in conjunction with the Fire and Rescue Service.
A police spokesman said: ’There was an arson at unoccupied premises at Millmount. The matter is being investigated, arrests have been made.
’Witnesses should contact us at police HQ. We will not comment further as it is an active investigation.’
Anyone with any information regarding the cause of the fire is being urged to contact police headquarters on 631212.