Telford arson attack has left people homeless

Today neighbours spoke of their shock that something like this would happen in a usually quiet area – and told how they rushed to raise the alarm and get the residents out of the block in Buttery Grove in Wombridge, Telford.

With holes in the roof and burned plastic, brick and wood outside, the damage to the building is extensive in places.

Phillip Payne, 33, was the first to spot the flames and called the fire service. He, along with neighbour Fred Oldfield, ran towards the blaze to make sure everybody was out of the building.

He said: “I was just about to go to bed. I saw the fire, darted out the door and dialled 999. I was lucky to get them out. If I hadn’t they might not be alive.

“It was scary – seeing somebody’s property go up in flames like that.”

Mr Payne said that it was worrying that this was happening so close to his home.

Mr Oldfield said: “I could smell the smoke first. I could see the flames shooting up – I ran out and went to a couple of the doors. They came out, then we waited for the fire service. It went up really quick – especially the roof. I was very surprised. It was really quick. You could tell it was deliberate.”

Bill O’Connor, 71, worked on building sites for many years. He said it was the sound of the fire that made him look out his bedroom window. “The porch was alight, there were flames up everywhere,” he said. “The next thing I know people are coming out to knock the doors and get people out.

“You could tell it was deliberate from where it started – I thought to myself, fires don’t just start like that.

“It’s usually a quiet area. That’s what made me look out the window. Luckily there was nobody in. It could have been very bad.”

Nobody was hurt in the blaze, but those who live in the flats most affected have received help from The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service to find a new temporary home. Most of their possessions have been lost in the fire.

Some people, who have been displaced since Saturday, were being given the chance to return to their homes yesterday.

Following their announcement, police are now renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward. The fire happened early on Saturday.

Det Sgt Antony Cleobury said: “The incident is now being treated as arson. We have been carrying out enquiries in the area and would again appeal for anyone who saw or heard anything out of the ordinary, that hasn’t yet spoken to us, to come forward by calling 101.

“We have been carrying out inquiries in the area and would again appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything out of the ordinary to come forward, who hasn’t yet spoken to us, to come.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 0098s of August 12 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.