Officer runs to burning house to arrest suspect as police federation stresses danger of his role

The Hampshire Police Federation is offering support to colleagues who have entered a burning house to arrest a suspect and rescue the occupants.

President Zoe Wakefield said: “This is another example of police running into danger to protect those who need our help.”

At 6.34am on Friday morning, officers were called to an address in Basingstoke which was on fire, where they found a woman in her 20s with non-life-threatening injuries.

She was taken to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital where she is receiving treatment for shoulder and hand injuries.

The woman is receiving support from specialist officers, Hampshire Police said.

The property was on fire with two children also inside the address but they were not injured.

During the incident, a Hampshire police officer suffered hand injuries and several others are being treated for smoke inhalation.

Zoe added: “The Hampshire Police Federation supports the officers involved because it’s not just the physical injuries but the psychological damage that comes with being involved in so many traumatic incidents.

“We wish all of our colleagues a full and speedy recovery.”

A 28-year-old man from Basingstoke was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger his life. He was taken to Southampton General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Officers have now launched an investigation into the attempted murder and inquiries are ongoing at the time of publication.