Man held for attempted murder after three house fires in 20 minutes

An attempted murder investigation has begun after three house fires in 20 minutes left three people injured.

Two teenagers and a woman were taken to hospital following the incidents in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire on Friday morning.

One teenager is being treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation, while the other teenager and the woman were treated for smoke inhalation, according to Leicestershire Police.

Their conditions are not described as life-threatening or life-changing.

The force suspects the fires are linked and were caused deliberately.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody. 

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and Rescue Service attended a house fire in Holywell Avenue at 7.05am, a second at Prestop Drive at 7.08am and a third at Clifton Drive at 7.19am.

Detective inspector Jim Willoughby said: ‘Our investigation remains at an early stage as we continue to piece together the circumstances behind these three incidents.

‘From what we know so far, we believe these incidents to be linked and deliberately caused by the same person. 

‘I would ask anyone who may have any information about any of these incidents, to please get in touch.’

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident 104 of 21 November.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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