A pensioner who fell victim to a suspected double arson attack in High Wycombe has spoken of the dramatic moment he became trapped in his bedroom as flames engulfed the property – and was only saved when firefighters helped him and four others to safety.

Tim Mogford, 69, and one other person who was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation and minor burns had to be taken to hospital after the flats in West Wycombe Road were allegedly set alight twice in just three hours across one evening last week.

Richard Thomas, 29, of Buckingham Close, High Wycombe, was charged with “two counts of arson with intent/ reckless as to whether life was endangered” last Friday and is due to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court today.

The first fire was started shortly after 10.30pm on Thursday, February 19, before a second blaze was reported by members of the public at about 2.15am on Friday.

Footage of the flats reveal the extent of the damage caused by the fires.

Tim Mogford said: “I woke up coughing and spluttering and all I could do was hang out of the window and try and get some fresh air. I was stranded in the room.

“I couldn’t believe it was happening again, just hours after the last time.

“When the first fire alarm went off I wasn’t too worried because it goes off all the time, so I went down the stairs switched the alarm off and reset it, and then immediately it went off again, so I had to call the fire brigade.

“We all got out and they put the fire out but it was much worse for the second fire.

“I wasn’t panicking, but in a way it was almost surreal, you sort of accepted what it was and there was nothing you could do about it.

“I was stranded because where the fire was - as I understood it was underneath the landing and I am upstairs – but the fire brigade were there quickly, they put it out and then one came up and got me out, they were brilliant.”

He said that the paramedics, nurses and doctors at Stoke Mandeville Hospital gave him “five star treatment”.

Tenants will not be allowed to stay in the property for about five months while the landlord attempts to reconstruct the “gutted” building.

A police investigation began almost immediately after the second fire, with a dog unit deployed into the property in an attempt to find out more information about the suspected arsonist.

Thames Valley Police is asking that anyone with information calls 101. Alternatively, speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org