Bin fires across Bournemouth left residents 'petrified'

Police launched an arson investigation after one of the fires caused “significant” damage to a property and could have had “devastating” results.

Two residents were home at the time of the property fire which happened in Northcote Road, Bournemouth in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 19.

A spokesperson from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service said: “We were called to Northcote Road, Bournemouth at 2:35am on June 19 following reports of a property fire. “Crews from Redhill, Westbourne, Springbourne, Poole, Christchurch and Hamworthy were mobilised and on arrival found four bins alight and the front door and front face of the building alight.

Fire damage

“Two breathing apparatus wearers used one main line to extinguish the fire. Two occupants of the building had managed to exit the building and one suffered with smoke inhalation. “Crews assisted with first aid and the stop message came back at 4:14am. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation.”

“We also attended another bin fire on Holdenhurst Road at 2:38am and another one prior to this on West Undercliff promenade at 12:34am both on June 19.”

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A resident living on Northcote Road said: “What we got told on the night by the policeman was that it was a suspected arson because there had been fires in four different places, the house on this road, my neighbours back fence, a building on Holdenhurst Road and another place somewhere else.

”They think that they were all connected and the police said they have the suspect on camera because there's lots of cameras around but they’re trying to get more evidence.

Damage to the property in Northcote Road

"The little gas canisters for camping that's what they used because they found them.

“We were so lucky because we had a mattress and bins outside our house last night, it was petrifiying.

“The neighbours got out fine. When we got called out at about two in the morning, there were no ambulances and they weren't even in the house anymore because they got out as soon as they heard the fire alarm.

“They got rehomed in a B&B by the council but they're at their son’s house, apparently their house is destroyed and they've been there since 95, so a long time.

“It was petrifying, we were out until five and then we went back in and the services left at six, but there were loads of firemen and loads of police.

“The students on this road were fine, they were all outside so nobody got hurt but it could have been a lot worse.”

Police have now appealed for witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them.

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Detective Sergeant Adam Aggas, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was mindless vandalism that could have had devastating results.

“I am appealing for any witnesses who may have seen someone acting in a suspicious manner in the area at the relevant time to please come forward.

“Also, I am very keen to hear from any motorists with dashcam and owners of home CCTV who might have footage in relation to the incident.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220097676.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.