Police treat fire as arson after a site earmarked for 26 asylum-seeking mothers and babies is 'severely damaged' in Cambridgeshire
Roman Court, a disused sheltered housing complex in Leverington near Wisbech, was severely damaged when flames took hold at around 7.26pm on Wednesday. The building was empty and nobody was hurt. The blaze came days after more than 200 local residents had marched in protest against the scheme. Fenland District Council had lodged a formal objection on 7 October, alleging that the Home Office had bypassed proper consultation.
The council accused the Home Office of having 'ridden roughshod' over evidence-based procedure.
A Home Office ruling had been expected on 16 October, but ministers have yet to announce a decision.
Reports suggest the site was already undergoing electrical work and renovations before the fire started.
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The Telegraph‘Arson attack’ on housing earmarked for migrantsBBC News - EnglandFire at proposed asylum seeker housing in Leverington treated as arsonAOL News UKHorror fire breaks out at proposed asylum seeker housing in LeveringtonITVSuspected arson attack at proposed asylum seeker housing for mothers and babiesEastern Daily PressPolice treat Wisbech fire at planned asylum seeker site as arsonWisbech StandardRoman Court, Leverington, fire near Wisbech treated as arsonCambridge NewsProposed asylum seeker accommodation in Wisbech ‘severely damaged’ in fire - Cambridge NewsCambsnewsLeverington asylum site fire treated as arson - CambsnewsFenland CitizenPolice launch arson investigation after fire at Roman Court in Leverington - a potential asylum seeker siteDaily Mail NewsArsonist is blamed for fire at former sheltered housing complex