Leicestershire Police are intensively investigating a deliberate arson attack that occurred at a residential property in Leicester’s Dorothy Road. The incident, which took place on Sunday, January 12, has raised significant safety concerns due to the garage’s location beneath occupied flats.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene after Leicestershire Fire and Rescue received an alert at 7:22 PM. The strategic placement of the targeted garage, situated underneath residential flats, has heightened the severity of this criminal act.
Leicester Arson Investigation Details
PC Eliot Bates, leading the investigation, stresses the urgency of identifying the suspect captured in CCTV footage. “While the image quality isn’t optimal, someone who knows this individual might still identify him,” states PC Bates. The Leicestershire Police are treating this as a serious case of deliberate arson.
Safety Impact and Community Response
The Fire Safety Network reports that fires in residential structures can spread rapidly, potentially endangering multiple households within minutes. Fortunately, in this instance, firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze before it could cause injuries or spread to the adjacent flats.
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Public Appeal and Contact Information
Authorities urge anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to come forward. The incident reference number is 25000021955, and witnesses can contact police through various channels:
- Call: 101
- Visit: http://www.leics.police.uk
Expert Analysis
According to fire safety experts at the National Fire Prevention Association, arson attacks in residential areas have seen a concerning uptick in recent years. This incident highlights the critical importance of community awareness and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
Timeline of Events
- 7:22 PM – Initial fire report received
- 7:30 PM – Fire service arrival and response
- 8:00 PM – Fire successfully extinguished
- Following days – CCTV footage analysis and investigation launch
Call to Action
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. The police emphasise that even small pieces of information could be crucial in preventing future incidents.