Fire investigation officers believe an overloaded electrical circuit was the cause of last Thursday’s devastating blaze in Petersfield town centre.

Investigations and surveys have taken place as the dust settles from the major blaze which swept through the block on the corner of Lavant Street and Chapel Street.

Speculation has been rife about the cause but Hampshire Fire & Rescue have just released a short statement.

A spokesperson said: “Following our investigation, the fire has been officially classified as accidental.

“It is believed that the most likely cause of this fire is as a result of resistance heating due to overloading of the electrical circuits.”

Hampshire Police said that contractors were at the scene this morning to make the site safe for emergency services to enter.