Warning seven months ago on illegal home where two died in suspected arson

Officials were alerted seven months ago to the illegal home in which a suspected arson attack killed two people and injured 13 yesterday.

And although checks were made and the tin hut confirmed to be illegal, no action was taken, it emerged last night.

The charred bodies of two men, aged between 40 and 50, were found in the first-floor hut after the fire broke out at 5am in the Fu Yuen Building in Cross Street, Wan Chai. More than 25 people were believed to have been in the hut, sleeping in bunk beds.

Another 10 men and three women, including residents from upper floors, were burnt or overcome by smoke.

A fire officer said there were suspicious circumstances. At least seven metal containers, believed to contain paint thinner, were found.

'Everything in the unit was alight when we arrived. It was unusual that the fire had spread so quickly to the second floor,' said acting Central divisional commander Cheung Yat-cheong of the Fire Services Department.

'One of the fire sources was discovered in the only exit . . . so residents were forced to climb out of the window to escape.' The Home Affairs Department said last night it had checked the building after it was asked to do so in February by the owners.