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Arson attack near church and school probed
22 Feb
Summary
- A man was rescued from the burning house and treated for smoke inhalation.
- The fire occurred near St Peter's Church and a primary school.
- Detectives are appealing for CCTV and dashcam footage from the area.
A house fire in Northamptonshire, occurring just before 04:00 GMT on Sunday, is now being treated as arson by detectives. Fire crews responded to the blaze in the utility extension of a home situated next to St Peter's Church in Hayway, Rushden. A man was rescued from the top floor and received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Northamptonshire Police were called shortly after fire services arrived, as evidence suggested the fire had been intentionally started. Detectives are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life, noting that the property sustained severe damage. The extension is also adjacent to a primary school, though police confirmed the school was unaffected.
Authorities are appealing for witnesses and requesting any CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist their ongoing investigation. Increased police patrols have been deployed in the affected area. The detective leading the inquiry emphasized that the outcome could have been far more serious had the fire not been discovered and tackled promptly.
