Arson Attack in Swindon

17 June 2010, 00:00 | Updated: 13 September 2017, 18:31

At approximately 1820 hours on Sunday 13th June 2010, the occupants of 75 Kirkstall Close, Toothill, Swindon, were in the lounge of their home, when they heard a knock at the front door, and within a short period of time, the fire alarm situated in the hallway, activated.  A member of the family opened the door of the lounge, and found the hallway ablaze.  He closed the door, and quickly evacuated the family out of the house, via the back door.

The Fire & Rescue Service attended, and forced the front door  open, and then extinguished the fire, but not before fire and smoke damage had been caused to the area adjacent to the hallway.

Hanging on the inside of the front door, was a heavy lace curtain, and initial enquiries indicate that the likely cause of the fire was that paper or something similar, was pushed through the letter box, and set alight, which in turn caused the curtain to ignite, and the fire to begin.

Fortunately no-one was injured as a result of this incident.

A 17 year old youth, and a 14 year old girl have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, and following interview, have been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Fisher says, "This was a particularly cowardly attack, and could easily have had tragic consequences, but the prompt actions of the householders, in evacuating the family, prevented that tragedy.  I am appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Kirkstall Close, Toothill on Sunday evening, and who may have witnessed 2 people running away, to please contact me as a matter of urgency."

Information may be left for Sergeant Fisher, by ringing Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 ext. 760698, or if preferred, anyone who believes they know the identity of these offenders, may leave anonymous information on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.