homes damaged in arson attacks on shrewsbury estate
Police are investigating a series of arson attacks at homes on a Shrewsbury housing estate.
Three homes have been damaged by fires deliberately started on the Herongate estate over the past four days.
Although the damage has been slight, police are concerned the incidents could have resulted in people becoming trapped or overcome by smoke. They have issued an urgent appeal for any information which might assist the investigation.
Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff said today: "Residents on the estate can play a vital role in helping the police if they have seen anything suspicious which may be connected to these three incidents.
"We urge them to contact Shrewsbury police station on 0300-333-3000 as a matter of urgency. Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111, for which a reward may be paid."
The police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are working together on the investigation.
In all three cases, paper has been pushed through doors and set fire to. In the first instance, at a flat in Camross Drive, a newspaper was pushed through the cat flap.
The other two incidents were at homes in Lapwood Drive, where paper was pushed through the letterbox. One of the properties was empty at the time. All three homes are in the same area of the estate and located close to a cycleway.
The fire at the flat in Camross Drive was discovered at about 4.30am on Tuesday when the occupant was woken by a noise. A burning newspaper had been put through the cat flap and quickly put it out. Damage was confined to the door.
DI Wagstaff said: "It was extremely fortunate the occupant woke when she did, otherwise the flames could have spread.
Burnt out paper was also discovered in the letterbox of a home in Lapwood Drive at around 1.30pm yesterday although it's thought the fire occurred some hours before, causing slight damage.
A second property in Lapwood Drive was attended by the fire service shortly before 3am today. Again, it involved newspaper in the letterbox being set alight resulting in damage to the front door, a nearby window and a wheelie bin.
DI Wagstaff said: "These fires have been deliberately started and could have led to someone being seriously injured or worse. They appear to be linked and we are anxious to trace the offenders."
She added that house to house inquiries were being conducted and extra police patrols being conducted in the area. "I want to reassure residents that this is a priority investigation but it is absolutely crucial they pass on any information which might assist the inquiry."
