January 16, 2017 10.28 am This story is over 86 months old

Quick-thinking neighbours save Grimsby pensioner’s life after arson attack

Quick-thinking and brave neighbours have saved the life of a Grimsby man following an arson attack on his ground floor flat. A wheelie bin was set on fire and pushed against the front door of the pensioner’s flat on Stanage Walk at around 10.55pm on Friday, January 13. The man was rushed to Diana, Princess…

Quick-thinking and brave neighbours have saved the life of a Grimsby man following an arson attack on his ground floor flat.

A wheelie bin was set on fire and pushed against the front door of the pensioner’s flat on Stanage Walk at around 10.55pm on Friday, January 13.

The man was rushed to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and released on bail to a date next month, pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicki Miller of Humberside Police said: “If it were not for the quick-thinking of neighbours who went to this man’s aid and called the emergency services, he could easily have been killed.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and I would appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious or untoward in this area to come forward.

“We work closely with our partners in Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, North East Lincolnshire Council and other key agencies in the area to tackle this kind of offending.

“We deal robustly with those involved and educate young people about the potential consequences of deliberately setting fires.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Humberside Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 2242442.