Series of Suspicious Blazes Rocks Leicestershire Town
A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a terrifying spate of arson attacks that targeted three homes in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. The incidents, which all occurred within a frantic 20-minute period on the morning of Friday, November 21, resulted in three people, including two teenagers, being rushed to hospital for treatment.
Emergency services were plunged into chaos as they responded to the three separate fires, all located within a two-mile radius of each other. Leicestershire Police have confirmed they believe the blazes are linked and were deliberately caused by the same person.
Timeline of the Morning's Events
The first emergency call came in at 7:05 am, reporting a house fire on Holywell Avenue. Fire crews responded with significant force, deploying five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the blaze.
Shortly after, a second fire was reported approximately a mile away on Prestop Drive. Before that could be fully dealt with, a third call came in at 7:19 am for a blaze on Cliffton Drive, just half a mile from the second incident.
The East Midlands Ambulance Service sent a major response, including a paramedic in an ambulance car, three crewed ambulances, and an air ambulance responder. They treated three casualties, all of whom had self-rescued from the properties.
Victims Treated for Smoke Inhalation and Burns
The three injured individuals – two teenagers and a woman – were all transported to Nottingham's Queens Medical Centre. While one teenager was treated for burns, all three were receiving care for smoke inhalation.
In a statement, Leicestershire Police provided a crucial update, confirming that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
The swift police investigation led to the arrest of a local man, aged 50, who remains in custody for questioning. Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby, leading the inquiry, stated: "Our investigation remains at an early stage as we continue to piece together the circumstances behind these three incidents. From what we know so far, we believe these incidents to be linked and deliberately caused by the same person."
He has urged anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to contact Leicestershire Police on 101, quoting incident 104 of November 21. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
