Homes evacuated in Balsall Common as car sets house alight

[dutchman]

Homes had to be evacuated in the middle of the night when arsonists struck at house at Balsall Common.



About 20 people were told to leave their homes in the village just after 12.30am yesterday when a car parked on a driveway in Grovefield Crescent was set alight.

The flames spread to a van before the house caught light.

A man was rescued from the house by firefighters and was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation.

Other homes in the street were evacuated for most of the night after fears about a gas leak.,

A spokesman for West Midlands Police, who launched an investigation into the attack, said: “The road had to be evacuated because of damage to gas and electricity and workmen were called to make the road safe.

“Some residents went to neighbours and some went to a nearby day centre.

“The road reopened at 6.45am.”

The motive for the attack remains unclear and detectives spent yesterday examining the scene and speaking to neighbours.

The house remained sealed off.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a report of a fire at a property in Grovefield Crescent, three crews responded.

“The incident is believed to be arson.

“Originally a car had been set alight and spread to another vehicle and to a two storey house.

“One man was led to safety and received treatment from paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation.”

Firefighters used thermal cameras and breathing apparatus to make sure no other residents were trapped inside the house.

The spokesman added the rest of the street was evacuated as a result of a gas leak at the property.

It is not known whether that was caused by those responsible for the attack.

Police appealed for anybody with any information to contact them on the 101 non-emergency number or via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

[Spuffler]

Seems to be a very prevalent crime in the Coventry area...

[dutchman]

Seems to be a very prevalent crime in the Coventry area...

It's often drug-dealer related Spufffler, either rival dealers or local vigilantes.

[dutchman]

Police to track down group seen arguing before Balsall Common arson



POLICE say a group of men and women were seen arguing before an arson attack which led to 14 homes being evacuated in Balsall Common.

About 20 people were forced to leave their homes in the middle of the night when a car was set alight on a driveway in Grovefield Crescent.

The blaze spread to a van and two other cars on the driveway before the house caught fire at about 12.30am on Wednesday, July 25.

A man was rescued from the house by firefighters and was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation.

Police are now keen to speak to a small group of people who were seen arguing before the incident and two men running away from the property after the arson attack.

The two men are described as white, in their late teens, and one of the men had distinctive mousy brown spiky hair.

A black Ford Focus and silver hatchback were also seen near the homes.

Nearby homes in the street were evacuated for most of the night over fears of a gas leak.

Residents took refuge in a community centre until 7am while firefighters made the area safe.

Firefighters used thermal cameras and breathing apparatus to make sure no other residents were trapped inside the house.

DC Fleur Buxton, of the Coventry major investigation team, said: “We believe that there may have been a small group of men and women arguing just before the incident and are keen to trace them as they may have seen or heard something that could help us progress the investigation.

“A black Ford Focus and a silver hatchback were also seen in the area and we would really like to speak to the drivers and occupants of the cars.

“If you were in the area at the time of the incident and witnessed anything suspicious then please come forward.

“It is fortunate that thankfully no one was hurt throughout this catalogue of events.”

If you have information, you are urged to call West Midlands Police on the 101 non-emergency number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.