Unit catches fire on Recreation Dr in Leopold

A man has been arrested after a Leopold house went up in flames on Saturday morning. SEE THE VIDEO

A man has been arrested after a Leopold house went up in flames on Saturday morning.

A single-storey brick property on Recreation Dr was destroyed in the fire.

Victoria Police said a crime scene had been established and an arson chemist would attend on Saturday.

“A 32-year-old man is currently assisting police with their inquiries,” spokeswoman Senior Constable Claudia Quadara said.

The scene on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Mark Wilson

A CFA spokesman said firefighters were called to the blaze about 6.30am and the incident was called under control at 7.20am.

A neighbour said the property was home to a woman and her three sons, but the family was away camping when the fire broke out.

A Leopold home was gutted by fire. Picture: Lucy Crock

“The whole house was up in flames, I ran out the back and I went into panic mode thinking ‘are the three boys home?’ the neighbour said.

“They are all away camping, thank God, five hours away.

“I think when they’re home it will be pretty confronting.”

Victoria Police said no one was injured in the incident.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said two people were assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not require transport to hospital.

Another neighbour said the flames were high enough to see from down the street, with elderly residents receiving quite a shock.

“Hopefully the community will rally, we’ve been on the street helping, so I think we will,” the neighbour said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Unit catches fire on Recreation Dr in Leopold