Suspicious fire in Captain’s Drive

Police in Edinburgh can confirm that they are treating a fire that broke out in a block of flats in the south of the city last night as suspicious.

The fire broke out in the stairwell of the block of flats in Captain’s Drive, in the Graecemount area, around 9.10pm.

Firefighters attended and tackled the blaze, which had forced a number of residents to flee their properties. While all of the occupants escaped unharmed, a dog which could not be rescued died as a result of smoke inhalation.

Detective Sergeant John Graham said: “The fire broke out on the top floor landing and spread to threaten properties in the stair.

“Some of the occupants were forced to jump from a first floor window to safety, while another resident was rescued via ladder by the fire service.

“At this time we are appealing for any information that can assist our inquiries, in particular anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in or around the building prior to the fire breaking out.

“Anyone else with any other information that can assist our inquiries should also get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.