A CRACK team of police has been put in charge of the arson attack at a block of flats in Devizes.

The Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team is now leading the investigation into a suspicious fire in Waiblingen Way, Devizes.

We were called by the fire service shortly after 1am to a report of a fire at a block of flats in Waiblingen Way.

Det Chief Insp Darren Hannant said: “Due to the critical condition of one of the victims, this investigation is now being led by MCIT, with the assistance of local community officers and CID.

“We have already spoken to a number of local residents and we continue to urge anyone who may have information in relation to any suspicious activity in the area prior to 1am to contact us on 101 if they have not already done so.”

A/Insp Pete Foster said: “This incident will no doubt have caused great concern to those living in Waiblingen Way, as well as the wider community of Devizes.

“I know there will be some speculation around the cause of this fire following a series of small fires in the area back in the summer. However, I would like to stress the importance of not speculating or naming individuals, especially on social media, and allowing officers to conduct a thorough and timely investigation.

“While this investigation is carried out, the public are likely to see an increased police presence in the area. Please do not be alarmed by this, and if you have any specific concerns, approach an officer or call 101.”

Early this morning police officers assisted approximately 35 firefighters at the scene alongside colleagues from the ambulance service.

The fire is believed to have started in a communal area.

One woman aged in her 50s was taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon in a critical condition, while eight other people were assessed at the scene by ambulance colleagues and did not require hospital treatment. They range in age from five to 62.

The fire was extinguished by 2.25am and a joint investigation with the fire service and Wiltshire Police was launched to determine the cause of the fire.