Pensioner targeted by arsonists (From Bucks Free Press)

Pensioner targeted by arsonists

3:41pm Tuesday 30th October 2007 in News

A 91-YEAR-old man has been attacked by firework wielding arsonists while he slept.

The man, from Ash Road, High Wycombe, was woken after his smoke alarm went off at around 10.30pm on Friday.

He got out of bed and walked into his hallway to find a fire at his front door, which had started after a firework was pushed through his letterbox.

He managed to put the blaze out with buckets of water but his home was still left with smoke and fire damage.

A fire crew from High Wycombe was called to the house and ventilated the area with a fan.

Ambulance crews were also called and the man was treated for smoke inhalation.

Karen Lock, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's arson intelligence officer, said: "People's lives are put at risk when fires are deliberately started inside or outside their homes. It's not just fire that kills - smoke kills too.

"If people who start these fires are not stopped, their behaviour could escalate and we could have a death."

Detective Constable Kathryn Dachtler of High Wycombe CID added: "Had this man's actions not been so quick the consequences could have been disastrous."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the arson. Anyone with information should call them on 08458 505 505 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.