Police step up hunt for arsonist (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Police step up hunt for arsonist

8:33pm Sunday 3rd February 2008 in Swindon By Lewis Cowen

Police today set up a major incident room in a bid to catch an arsonist suspected of petrol-bombing a family home twice in three weeks.

The fire attack in Broad Street, Swindon, in the early hours of February 2 is believed to be the second incident in which the family-of-four have been targeted.

A police spokesman said a dedicated team of officers has been put together to catch the arsonist.

He said: "Following the arson attack in Broad street a major incident room has been established at Gablecross police station.

"Inquiries will be co-ordinated by officers from the major investigation team.

"Detective and uniformed officers will be conducting inquiries in the Broad Green area of Swindon over the next few days."

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Stephen Fulcher said: "This could have easily been a fatal attack. I am asking all local residents to make a concerted effort to work with police to identify who was responsible for this attack.

"Family liaison officers are today working with the family to provide support at this extremely difficult time."

A 47-year-old man and three women, aged 42, 21 and 18, were yesterday admitted to Great Western Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation but released after treatment.

The fire was restricted to a ground floor lounge, but much of the house was affected by smoke.

After a forensic and fire service investigation, the fire was confirmed as arson. Police revealed they were working on the theory that the latest fire was linked to an attack on the same house earlier in January.

The four people, who have not been named, are staying with relatives close by while the investigation continues.