Man held after blaze at house

Neighbours claim that a man was seen throwing fireworks on Wincobank Avenue, Wincobank, after two homes caught fire.

Firefighters from Elm Lane fire station were called to a house fire on the street at around 3am yesterday and found the door of the property alight but the family of eight who lived there escaped unharmed.

Residents say a man seen throwing fireworks is then believed to have set fire to his own property before having to be rescued from the roof by firefighters.

One resident, who did not want to be named said: "There was a fire at one house but I don't think anyone was hurt. Then another fire started just a few doors down.

"I heard that a man was throwing fireworks in the street and then set his house on fire. I think he was rescued from the roof. The police have been outside all morning."

Another resident, who works nearby, added: "Everyone has been talking about it this morning.

"The police came out get the guy who did it who lives just around the corner and he started throwing fireworks in the street.

"I don't know if he was doing it to try and avoid being arrested but it sounds like they caught up with him anyway. No-one knows where the family has gone but we heard they are all ok."

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of a fire at an address on Wincobank Avenue in Sheffield at 3.15am on Sunday.

"The occupants of the house, a family of eight, were not injured.

"A 23-year-old man from Sheffield has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and he remains in police custody while detectives continue to question him."