Police are appealing for witnesses after a fire at a flat in Ashurst Way, Rose Hill.

The Fire Service and police have been working together to determine the cause of the fire, which happened at about 9.15pm last night.

Officers sealed off the flat today while scenes of crime officers examined the area.

PC James Stubbs said: “We are in the early stages of our investigation and are working with the fire service to find out how the fire started, although we believe it was started deliberately.

“Luckily there was nobody in the property and there were no injuries as a result of the fire. However the flat has been damaged and we are keen to find whoever is responsible.

“We have had reports of a man in the area at the time and I appeal to him to come forward as he could have information to help with our investigation.

“The man is white, aged around 50 and about 5ft 7in to 5ft 8in tall. He has short, spiky, dark brown hair with a tattoo on his left arm and was possibly wearing a hooded blue top.

“I urge anyone who might have seen this man or any suspicious activity last night in the area, to contact me.”

Anyone with information which could help the police should contact PC James Stubbs at Cowley police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.