Three Houses Deliberately Set Alight in Early Morning Attacks
Police in Leicestershire have charged a man with arson following a series of deliberate house fires that broke out in a single town on Friday morning. The incidents sent shockwaves through the community of Ashby-de-la-Zouch and left multiple residents requiring hospital treatment.
Emergency services were first alerted to a fire at a property on Holywell Avenue at 7.05am. Just three minutes later, at 7.08am, a second call came in reporting a blaze on Prestop Drive. The third and final fire was discovered on Clifton Drive at 7.19am, completing a terrifying sequence of events that unfolded in less than twenty minutes.
Suspect Charged and Remanded in Custody
Following a swift investigation, Leicestershire Police confirmed that a 50-year-old man has been charged in connection with the fires. He faces serious allegations, including dangerous driving and three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
The suspect did not enter a plea during an initial hearing and has been remanded in custody. He is scheduled to make his next appearance before the Leicester Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The deliberate nature of the fires has caused significant alarm amongst local residents. The fact that the blazes were set in quick succession at separate residential addresses points to a targeted attack on the community.
While the full extent of the injuries is not yet known, it has been confirmed that some residents were taken to hospital for treatment. The investigation remains active as authorities work to understand the motive behind these dangerous acts.
