Emergency crews called to late-night fire at former Exeter police HQ

A fire broke out at the former Police Headquarters and Courthouse building on Heavitree Road, Exeter, late on Thursday night (20 November), with firefighters and police now treating the incident as suspected arson.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 9.42pm on November 20, following reports of smoke coming from the disused site. 

Three fire engines from Danes Castle and Middlemoor stations were sent to the scene.

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A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Crews located a fire contained to one room of the building, which was extinguished using two hose reel jets, a safety jet, and breathing apparatus.” 

“A second fire was located in a different part of the building, which was also extinguished. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”

In a statement, police said: “We were called at 10pm on Thursday 20 November, following a report of a fire at the former magistrates' court building on Heavitree Road, Exeter. The fire was quickly put out by firefighters and nobody was injured.”

“It is believed the fire may have been started deliberately. Anybody who witnessed any suspicious behaviour, or who has relevant information or footage is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting 50250299131.”

Police enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.