Families still waiting to return to homes following Eccleston House tower block fire

Several families are yet to be allowed into their homes due to damage caused by a tower block fire in Barton Hill, yesterday (October 20).

A man has been arrested under suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire ripped through the lower floors of the Eccleston House tower block, on Aiken Street, shortly after 6am.

Six people were confirmed to have suffered injuries, suffering with burns and/or smoke inhalation - three of which were transferred to hospital.

Lawrence Hill councillor, Yassin Mohamud confirmed to Bristol World that most families have been allowed to return to their homes, though not all.

“Most of the residents have returned to their flats except for nine families, a repair team is still working since yesterday,” The Green councillor said.

“There is fire damage at the Aiken Street site. Bristol City Council has provided alternative accommodation.”

An evacuation centre was set up at the nearby St Patrick’s Catholic Church, as well as a community-led one at the Tawfiq Masjid and Centre.

Council teams worked to provide overnight shelter for residents as well as food, clothing, access to medicines and other welfare and care needs.

Eccleston House is the second council-owned tower block damaged by fire in the last month following the death of father-of-seven, Abdul Jabar Oryakhel, after an e-bike charger started a fire at Twinnell House, in Easton.

The authority has been approached for comment.