Arsonist Target Southampton Family

Detectives are trying to track down an arsonist who's been targetting a family in Southampton.

A terraced house in Parsonage Road, Northam, was targetted at about 8am Tuesday, October 9, when the people living there found a fire in their doorway. There was a similar attack the previous day at the same time. 

After the first suspected arson, police fitted specialist alarms which called emergency services for a rapid response. 

No one was hurt in either incident, but the police and fire service joint Arson Task Force is investigating. 

Rob Cole, Station Manager at St Mary’s Fire Station, said: “Over the last two days appliances from St Mary’s have been alerted to two suspected arson attacks at a residential property in Northam, Southampton. Upon arrival the fire was extinguished on both occasions.“A full investigation, together with Hampshire Constabulary, is underway to investigate the incident and offer public reassurance to the local area. “Home Fire Safety Visits are available, where a firefighter will visit an occupant’s home and install smoke detectors and offer fire safety advice specific to the house and the occupant’s lifestyle. The crew member will carry out an informal risk assessment of the home to point out any fire hazards, once again offering advice in how to reduce the identified risks,” he said. 

Detective Inspector Ellie Hurd appealed for anyone with information about these crimes to contact police. 

“The fact that there have been repeat incidents at the same location within a short period of time does raise concerns, but we would like to reassure local residents that a full investigation is underway. At this time, we do not believe these are random attacks, and we are doing everything to safeguard the family who reside there and their neighbours,” Det Insp Hurd said. 

“We particularly want to hear from anyone who saw any person at the door of one of the terraced houses in Parsonage Road around 8am on Monday and Tuesday, October 8 and 9. Did you see anyone or anything unusual, or which gave you concern? Did you see anyone hanging around the same area on Sunday, October 7, in the afternoon or evening?” Det Insp Hurd asked. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Insp Hurd at Southampton Central on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111.