Crime
Man arrested following arson attack that destroyed two newly built homes at St Ives
Man’s arrest includes suspicion of arson, conspiracy to commit fraud and possession of an offensive weapon.
![Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3722-scaled.webp)
A 47-year-old man has been arrested following a blaze that destroyed two newly built homes in St Ives.
![Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3730-1024x683.webp)
Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris
Cambridgeshire police confirmed today that the man, from St Ives, was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of arson, conspiracy to commit fraud and possession of an offensive weapon.
![Arson attack, The How, St Ives](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3737-1024x683.webp)
Arson attack destroys two new-build homes. Picture by Terry Harris.
“He has since been bailed to appear at Parkside police station, Cambridge, on 6 January,” said a police spokesperson.
![Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3727-1024x683.webp)
Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris
![Arson attack St Ives](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3725-1024x683.webp)
Arson attack destroys two new-build homes. Picture by Terry Harris.
![](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3721-1024x683.webp)
Arson attack destroys two new-build homes. Houghton Road, St Ives Saturday 07 October 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris.
![Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3723-1024x683.webp)
Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris
Police said the homes, at The How, Houghton Road, were “severely damaged” and both were well alight when fire crews arrived.
Nearby roads were closed due to the thickness of the smoke in the area.
![Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3724-1024x683.webp)
Police are working closely with fire service investigators after fire destroyed two new homes in St Ives in an arson attack. PHOTO: Terry Harris
Detective Inspector Nicola Lamport said: “Two new-build properties have been destroyed, meaning it will likely be hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
![](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/THS-Arson-attack-destroys-two-new-build-homes-3731-1024x683.webp)
Arson attack destroys two new-build homes. Houghton Road, St Ives Saturday 07 October 2023.
Picture by Terry Harris.
“There was also inconvenience for local people with the smoke and the resulting road closure.
“We are treating the fire as arson, so I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anything at all suspicious.”