Pair released under investigation after house fire

Two people arrested on suspicion of arson after a house fire in Stoke-on-Trent have been released under investigation, police have said.

Firefighters were called to the blaze in a semi-detached property on Harpfield Road in Trent Vale shortly before 15:30 BST on Monday.

Following an investigation into the cause, it was determined that the fire was started accidentally, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Nobody was inside the house at the time of the fire and no injuries have been reported.

A 28-year-old man of no fixed address and a 20-year-old woman from Stoke-on-Trent were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life but later released under investigation.

Neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution while the fire was extinguished, Staffordshire Police said.

Electrical engineers were also called to the scene and deemed the electrical supply safe before leaving.

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