Fareham man charged with arson after 'major' fire rips through four city-centre buildings in Winchester

A Fareham man has been charged following after a major fire ripped through four historic city-centre buildings.

Police officers investigating a fire in The Square, Winchester, have charged a man with arson where he is set to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court today(July 8).

57-year-old Philip Simmonds, of Farm House Close, has been charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Emergency services were called with reports of the fire at approximately 6.43am on Monday morning (July 6), resulting in police cordons being established while fire crews worked at the scene.

At the height of the incident, ten fire engines, specialist appliances and support teams were deployed to the scene. Crews used four main jets, two hose reels and two aerial ladder platforms to get the blaze under control and they remained at the site throughout the day damping down hotspots.

Simmonds was arrested and treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

More updates to follow.