FIVE people have been arrested following a fire at a house in South Park, near Reigate in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).
Police were called to the property in Alexander Road at about 1am after a garden shed was completely destroyed by the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately.
The fire spread to the roof of the detached house next to the shed but firefighters from the Reigate, Horley and Epsom stations managed to stop the flames spreading further into the home, which was unoccupied at the time of the suspected attack.
A 16-year-old girl, 18-year-old man, 19-year-old man and 21-year-old man have all been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent.
A 17-year-old boy has also been arrested on suspicion of use of a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving, as well as arson with intent.
All are believed to be from the local area and remain in custody whilst enquiries continue.
Two windows, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, and the guttering of the property were damaged by the fire. There was also internal smoke damage as a result of the incident.
Reigate and Banstead neighbourhood sergeant Simon Ward said: "Local police officers were first on the scene and with an aim to ensure that there was no-one at risk in the house they forced entry into the property to conduct a search - thankfully, the occupants were out at the time of the incident. Officers also gained entry to the car on the driveway and moved it away from the scene to ensure that it was not fire damaged.
"Local officers will be continuing to patrol the area and engage with the local residents to provide reassurance and guidance."
Firefighter Harry Baxter from Reigate fire station said: "The roof is very damaged and charred. The downstairs toilet is quite damaged as well.
"Three to five minutes later and the roof would have gone. It was very, very close."
An investigation into the circumstances around the incident is ongoing.
Anyone who has information on the incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140040239. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
