12:04pm Sunday 14th March 2010
By Jon Reeve
A MAN has been arrested in connection with a fire at a Hampshire nightclub.
Around 230 clubbers were evacuated to safety after the blaze broke out at Rhino Club in Southampton in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Police have arrested a 21-year-old in connection with the incident.
Patrolling officers raised the alarm after spotting smoke coming from the roof of the Waterloo Terrace building. They notified staff and a full evacuation was carried out before fire crews arrived.
Detectives have revealed they believe the blaze was started deliberately, and are working with specialist arson investigators from Hampshire Fire and Rescue to establish the exact cause.
The arrested man has now been released on bail while police inquiries continue.
The club was closed last night following the incident, which happened at around 2.15am yesterday.
Fire crews from Redbridge, St Mary's, Eastleigh and Hightown were all called to tackle the fire, and were able to contain it to the roof area, successfully stopping the flames from spreading into a neighbouring derelict building.
Police are appealing for anyone who saw how the fire started, or has any information, to get in touch.
Contact DC Tony Welch at Bitterne CID on the non-emergency 101 number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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