Arsonists pour petrol into Heaton house (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Homeowner is left devastated after ‘case of mistaken identity’ in attack

9:31am Thursday 21st July 2011 in Heaton By Marc Meneaud, Aire Valley Chief Reporter

An arson attack victim fears his Bradford home was targeted in a case of mistaken identity after petrol was poured through a window and set alight.

The 33-year-old businessman, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said he was left “devastated” after the window of his detached house in Wharfedale Rise, Heaton, was damaged at about 2am yesterday.

Detectives are investigating after the arsonists ripped wires from security lights and CCTV cameras before forcing the window and tipping petrol through it.

They then lit it, causing scorching damage to the plastic window frame and the gable end of the house.

Police and firefighters were quickly on the scene after the householder, who was staying with his sister, dialled 999. He had been alerted to the fire by an alarm system, which automatically calls his mobile phone.

The man, who was at the scene with his brother within ten minutes, said he believed the attack was a case of “mistaken identity”.

He said: “I don’t have any trouble with anybody and we are working people. When the police asked if there was anybody I could think of who would have done this, I said I couldn’t think of anybody. Why have they done this to me?

“I’m devastated and quite fearful. If they have been here before, they might come again.”

Ian Moxon, crew commander at Odsal fire station, said the man had been lucky as police had arrived so quickly to put out the fire.

“If it had not been for that, we would have been looking at a serious, intense fire,” he said. “We need to get the message across how dangerous arson is and how serious this incident could have been.”

Police were due to collect CCTV footage from the man and his neighbours yesterday afternoon. Scenes of Crimes Officers have visited, and a fire investigator said the blaze had been “deliberate.”

Anyone with information about the arson should contact Bradford South CID on 0845 6060606.