A house with his son and former partner burns to the ground

50 Cent has issued a statement in response to allegations by his former girlfriend that the rap star was involved in starting a blaze which almost took her life.

As reported yesterday Read: Arson suspected as 50 Cent's mansion burns], the entertainer's home in Dix Hill, Long Island, was engulfed in flames late last week, with his ex, Shaniqua Tompkins, their young son and various family members being evacuated to safety by fire officials.

Tompkins reportedly told the New York post she suspected the rapper of being behind the fire, which officials are investigating for signs of arson - adding she thought 50, real name Curtis Jackson, was obsessed with her.

However, Jackson's lawyer, Brett Kimmel, issued a statement categorically disputing he had ordered the blaze to be started.

"Any suggestion that Mr. Jackson had anything whatsoever to do with the fire at his home is outrageous and offensive," the statement read. According to reports, Jackson was filming on location in Louisiana at the time of the incident.

A spokesman for the star adds, "He is extremely thankful that everyone including his son, Marquise, escaped the burning house safely."