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Man charged over fire at four city-centre buildings

Indy Almroth-WrightSouth of England
News imageBBC The Square Winchester, firefighters and fire engine standing in front of buildings where fire damage can bee seen in the roof.BBC
The fire, early on Monday morning, involved four buildings in The Square

A man has been charged following a fire involving four buildings in Winchester.

More than 50 firefighters and 10 fire engines were sent to The Square, Winchester, at about 06:00 BST on Monday.

A man was arrested and treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. A joint investigation is being carried out by the fire service and police to establish the cause.

Philip Simmonds, 57, of Farm House Close in Fareham, has been charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He was due to appear before Southampton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

News imageGroup of firefighters with yellow helmets with a fire appliance to the right and buildings in the distance.
At its height, 10 fire engines, specialist appliances and support teams were sent the fire
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