Virtual Lancaster

 Police are appealing for information following an arson attack on a house in Lancaster which could have ended badly for the family living there – but smoke alarms probably saved their lives.

The incident happened on High Street at around 3.00am on Saturday 21st January, when a wheelie bin was set on fire, very close to the front door of a house. 

A family of six managed to escape the blaze which was put out by the fire service.

“Wisely, the family had smoke alarms fitted,” Detective Constable Tim Dodgson from Lancaster police said, “which triggered and the family managed to escape the blaze. 

“The consequences of this could have been severe and those responsible for this need to be caught.”

The fire damaged the main entrance to the property and also the rooms above the hallway.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information about this fire to come forward and contact police,” urged DC Dodgson.

– Anyone with information is asked to call Lancaster police on 101. People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court