Barking flat blaze was ‘not suspicious’, police say

A blaze that left residents homeless is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.

Five people, including a child, were treated for smoke inhalation and several households were rehoused after a fire broke out at a block of flats in Chelmer Crescent on Thames View Estate, Barking, on January 28.

Police investigated the possibility of arson after a council flat was destroyed but this week said no foul play was involved.

A spokesman said: “The investigation determined that no accelerants were used to start the fire at Chelmer Crescent and there was no evidence to indicate that a crime had been committed.

“The fire was classified as non-suspicious as a result and the investigation is now closed.”

A council spokesman said that all but two of the households affected by the blaze had returned to Chelmer Crescent.