Homeless Man Hurt In Fire In Reading

29 May 2013, 11:45 | Updated: 29 May 2013, 11:53

A homeless man has been left with burns after his bedding was set alight in Reading.

Thames Valley Police say a man was asleep in the entrance to Reading Central Library in Kings Road, when a person started a fire causing his sleeping bag to become alight at around 10.30pm on Tuesday 2st May.

People nearby came to the aid of the man and helped to put the fire out and called an ambulance.

The man, in his forties, suffered burns to his feet which required hospital treatment. He has since been released from hospital.

DC Jim Howden, investigating, said: “Luckily the victim suffered only minor injuries.

“If you witnessed this incident or came forward to help the victim or if you have any information which could help the investigation please get in touch.

“I would like to reassure homeless people that incidents such as these are rare.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Howden on the non-emergency number, 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.