Police say they hope the nine year prison sentence given to a man who committed two arson attacks on the same property in High Wycombe within the space of a few hours will serve as justice to his victims.

Richard Thomas was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday, having pleaded guilty one count of arson reckless to endanger life and one count of arson with intent to endanger life at an earlier court hearing.

The 29-year-old, of Buckingham Close, opened the window to a flat in West Wycombe Road at around 10.30pm on February 19 and set fire to a pair of curtains, police said.

In the early hours of the following day, after firefighters had been called to extinguish the first fire, Thomas returned to the address and used a lighter to set another.

Five residents, all men aged between 41 and 62, were evacuated and treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns.

Thomas was arrested at the scene and charged later the same day. He was jailed for a total of nine years and three months this week.

Investigating officer Det Con Becky Tyler said: “I am delighted that Thomas pleaded guilty to the charges against him and has now been sentenced to a significant period in prison.

“Thomas endangered the lives of a number of residents, many of whom had to be evacuated and were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns. I hope that the sentence given to Thomas serves as justice to them.

“I would like to thank all those at Thames Valley Police who have worked on this investigation as well as the Crown Prosecution Service for bringing the case to court.”