Man, 37, arrested over fire after terrified woman left trapped inside her own home

Firefighters raced to Thompson Hill at around 1am on Wednesday, March 24, to after a fire was started at the front door of a property.

Residents were evacuated from their homes while the fire was dealt with and an 89-year-old woman who lived at the house was taken to hospital.

The woman, who suffered minor injuries in the fire, is being treated in hospital.

Police also received reports of dustbins being set on fire in the area and a wheelie bin fire in a ginnel close to Foster Way on the same morning.

Following a search of the area, police arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of arson endangering life. He remains in police custody.

A police spokesperson said: “”Since last night, police have been made aware of several further incidents, believed to be linked. Wheelie bin fires were reported at a second address in Potters Gate, two further addresses in Fosters Way, an address in Sunny bank lane, and at two addresses in Hazelshaw Gardens. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of these offences.

“An investigation is ongoing and there will be additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance.”

If anyone has any information call 101 quoting incident number 23 of 24 March 2021.

Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.