Woman arrested on suspicion of murder after fire at Brighton property

Detectives have launched a murder investigation following a fire in the basement of a Brighton property.

A 50-year-old man was confirmed dead at the scene of the incident on Preston Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police confirmed that a 36-year old woman from the city is being questioned on suspicion of murder.

The suspect was treated by the ambulance service.

A tent has been put up outside a row of terraced houses with forensic investigators at the scene gathering evidence.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue sent crews from five stations to deal with the fire of the three-storey building with firefighters from West Sussex also drafted in.

The force said, "Crews from Preston Circus, Roedean, Newhaven, Bexhill, Lewes, supported by crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service used breathing apparatus an electric saw and forceable entry to to access the property.

"Pumping equipment and firefighting foam was used to deal with the fire."

The cause of the fire isn't yet clear.

Preston Road is one of the main carriageways in Brighton and Hove for people to leave the city.

A road closure is in place in Preston Road from Ditchling Rise to the junction of Stanford Avenue.

Drivers are being asked to use an alternative route while the emergency services deal with the fire.

Enquiries are ongoing but anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police.

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