Arson Suspected in Fire at UK Housing Complex Slated for Asylum Seekers
A fire at a former sheltered housing complex in Cambridgeshire, recently earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation, is being treated as arson amid local protests.
Firefighters battled a blaze at Roman Court in Leverington, Cambridgeshire, on Thursday evening, with authorities now investigating the incident as arson. The former sheltered housing complex had been controversially designated to house asylum seekers, a plan that had drawn significant local opposition in the days leading up to the fire.
Six fire crews responded to the scene around 7:25 p.m., working to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that no one was injured as the property was unoccupied at the time. However, the building sustained severe damage.
The fire comes amidst reports that electrical work and renovations were underway at the property. Just last week, over 200 residents marched through the village, which has a population of approximately 3,000, after the Home Office informed Fenland District Council that the site could accommodate 26 mothers and babies seeking asylum.
Fenland District Council had formally objected to the proposal, citing "real risks to both asylum seekers and local residents." Protesters expressed frustration, feeling that the government was disregarding local concerns and imposing decisions without consent.
Steve Barclay, the Member of Parliament for North East Cambridgeshire, stated his strong opposition to the Home Office's plan. He noted that under a previous Conservative government, the area was deemed unsuitable for such accommodation, and an agreement with Serco exempted it. Barclay criticized the current plan as a deliberate policy shift to place asylum seekers in rural communities lacking adequate services.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is appealing for any information regarding the blaze. The force stated that the building sustained severe damage and that the investigation is being conducted jointly by the fire service and police.
The Roman Court site comprises 21 self-contained flats, including 16 studios, four one-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit. Planning permission had also been granted for single-storey extensions to four of the flats.
