Couple And Baby Escape Arson Attack

Police are appealing for information about an arson attack at a shop in Southampton.

Officers were called out by the fire service at around 8.35pm to a fire at Zim Zag, a Polish food store on Portsmouth Road,
Woolston.

The fire had been started inside the store to the rear. It caused significant smoke damage to the interior of the store.

A family living in the flat above the shop, two adults and a baby, had to leave their home but were allowed to go back later in the evening. No-one was injured.

-A suspect was seen leaving the area heading towards Hazel Road and onto Bridge Road. He is described as:

-A white man

-Approximately 5ft 11ins tall

-About 35-40-years-old old

-Wearing a fluorescent jacket and dark trousers

Detective Inspector Dave Jackson said:

"Thankfully no-one was seriously injured but we could have been dealing with something much worse.

"From our investigation so far, it looks as though someone broke into the store and started the fire inside before fleeing the scene.

"Not only has this incident caused upset for the family living above the store but also the shop owner.

"We're treating it as arson and want to hear from anyone with information.

"I'm especially keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed what happened, seen a man wearing a distinctive fluorescent jacket matching the description of our suspect in the area at the time, or anyone who suspects they know who's done this."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bitterne CID on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.