Two men arrested in connection with Fort Erie townhome fire

Niagara Regional Police report that two men have been arrested who were seen leaving a burning structure Saturday morning.

Officers say they responded to the area of Allen Trail and Whispering Woods Trail in the Town of Fort Erie for a fire at around 7 a.m.

First responders observed a row of townhomes that were under construction, fully engulfed in flames.

Investigators say they saw two men leaving the structure shortly after smoke was seen billowing from the townhomes.

Police were able to locate the two men a short distance away before arresting them.

WATCH MORE: Fort Erie blaze damages townhouses before completion

Thirty-six-year-old Michael Magin from Fort Erie, and 45-year-old Jason Batt from St. Catharines have been charged with break and enter to commit mischief over $5,000.

Magin is also charged with failure to comply with a probation order.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire. The initial damage estimate was assessed at $400,000, but this number is subject to change.

Magin and Batt are expected to appear at a St. Catharines courthouse April 11.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the police.