Skip to content

Cafe owner charged over city-centre fire

Indy Almroth-WrightSouth of England
BBC 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

The owner of a city centre cafe that was damaged in a fire along with three other buildings has been charged.

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, owner of Cafe Mundo in The Square, has been charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He was due to appear before Southampton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Group 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
Related internet links