Man dies in house fire after stand-off with police

A man has died in a house fire which started after a prolonged stand-off with police officers.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it was called at shortly after 19:00 BST on Saturday because of concerns for a man in a property at Chalk Vale in Old Basing, near Basingstoke.

Officers trying to bring him outside were threatened with an axe during several hours of negotiations, before the fire broke out and the body of a 29-year-old man was discovered inside, police said.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had launched an investigation.

In a statement, the IOPC said: "We were notified that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers attended an address on Chalk Vale, Old Basing, at around 7.25pm on Saturday 31 May after concerns were raised for a man living there.

"We understand that in the early hours of Sunday morning the police became aware that there was a fire within the property.

"Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue and the ambulance service attended, but sadly the man died at the scene."

Police said a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated during the incident.

The force said: "The house was significantly damaged by the fire, but nobody else was inside the address at the time and there were no further casualties.

"A total of two further homes were damaged and will be assessed."

Police said the man's family had been informed and officers were providing support.

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