A single mother has bravely spoken out about the terrifying moment she discovered a man she met on a dating app had deliberately set her house on fire while her young child slept inside.
The horrific incident, which occurred in Scunthorpe, left the family homeless and destroyed all their possessions in what should have been their safe haven.
The Fateful Meeting
What began as a hopeful connection on a popular dating platform quickly turned into every parent's worst nightmare. After meeting the man online, the mother allowed him to visit her home - a decision that would have devastating consequences.
"I never imagined that inviting someone into my home could lead to this," the traumatised mother shared. "You think you're being careful, but predators can hide in plain sight."
The Night of Terror
The situation escalated dramatically when the man returned to the property in the early hours of the morning. While the mother and her child slept unaware, he deliberately started a fire that would rapidly consume their home.
"Waking up to smoke and flames with your child in the house is something no parent should ever experience," she recounted, the memory still vivid. "We lost everything - photographs, memories, all our belongings. But we're thankful to be alive."
Community Rallies Support
In the aftermath of the devastating fire, the local community has shown incredible support for the displaced family. A fundraising campaign has been established to help them rebuild their lives from scratch.
Humberside Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as arson and have launched a full investigation. Officers are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to apprehending the suspect.
Dating Safety Warning
This shocking case has prompted safety experts to reiterate crucial advice for those using dating apps:
- Always meet in public places for initial dates
- Avoid sharing your home address too quickly
- Tell friends or family about your plans and who you're meeting
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
The courageous mother hopes that by sharing her story, she can prevent others from experiencing similar trauma. "I want people to be more cautious than I was," she said. "No date is worth risking your safety or your family's security."
