A quiet morning in Ashby-de-la-Zouch shattered as flames erupted from three separate homes within a terrifyingly short span of time. The first emergency call came at 7:05 am, reporting a blaze on Holywell Avenue, quickly followed by another on Prestop Drive just three minutes later, and a third on Clifton Drive at 7:19 am. The speed and proximity of the fires immediately raised alarm bells.
Firefighters from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service battled the blazes, working to contain the damage and ensure the safety of residents. The scenes were chaotic, with smoke billowing into the crisp morning air and neighbors watching in disbelief as their community faced a sudden, unexplained threat.
Police swiftly launched an investigation, suspecting the fires weren’t accidental. Evidence quickly pointed towards deliberate acts, leading to a chilling realization: someone intentionally set these homes ablaze.
A 50-year-old man is now in custody, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The arrest offers a glimmer of hope amidst the fear, but the investigation is still in its early stages, meticulously piecing together the events that unfolded.
Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that all three incidents are believed to be connected and the work of a single individual. The focus now is on understanding the motive and establishing a clear timeline of events.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information, no matter how small, that could aid the investigation. Anyone with knowledge of the incidents is urged to come forward and assist in bringing clarity to this disturbing case.
