Police have confirmed they are no longer treating the fire at the site of the former Gaiety Amusement Arcade as arson.
Around 80 members of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service worked through the night to tackle the blaze that took place on Ventnor’s seafront on Tuesday evening.
Following an investigation by the Fire Service it was passed onto the Police to investigate.
No longer being investigated as an arson
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary told News OnTheWight the police investigation had been completed,
“We have been working alongside our partners in the fire service to investigate the fire which occurred at an arcade in Ventnor on 7th June this year.
“Following a number of enquiries, including speaking to witnesses in the area and reviewing CCTV footage, no evidence of third party involvement has been identified and this is no longer being investigated as an arson.”
Background to fire
See News OnTheWight’s exclusive footage from inside the site following the fire as well as photo galleries from the night of the fire and morning after.
Under development
Demolition work began at the site last month in preparation for building works on the site.
Work began to peel back the layers of the former amusement arcade, with the hopes of retaining the original cast-iron frame.
Plans are approved to build a private dwelling with additional accommodation at the rear.
Image: © With Kind permission of Lucy Boynton-Jones
