By Brendan Mcfadden For Mailonline
Published: 15:39 GMT, 20 March 2019 | Updated: 15:39 GMT, 20 March 2019
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A blaze which destroyed the £5 million former home of actor Basil Rathbone who was well known for playing Sherlock Holmes is being treated as suspicious by police.
Last night a fire started by a mystery arsonist ripped through Treetops in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire as 40 firefighters fought it vain to put it out.
Hollywood legend, Rathbone played Holmes in numerous movies and lived at the now empty home for many years before his death in 1967.
The £5 million former home of Hollywood legend Basil Rathbone who was well known for playing Sherlock Holmes burned down last night. The smoldering wreck of the home is pictured
Tree Tops had a list of wealthy owners including Mr Rathbone who played Holmes in numerous movies including blockbuster The Hound of the Baskervilles. He is pictured as Sherlock Holmes
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: 'We were called at 3.40pm yesterday by the fire service to a report that an empty building was on fire in Gillotts Lane, Henley-on-Thames.
'No-one was injured however the property sustained extensive damage. Officers assisted with a road closure in the area while the fire service attended.. The fire is being treated as suspected arson and inquiries are ongoing. Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101.'
Police, forensic science experts and fire brigade specialists are combing the scene today.
Fire crews from Berkshire and Oxfordshire fought the fire in vain throughout the night.
Rathbone played Holmes in numerous movies including The Hound of the Baskervilles
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