Three Leicestershire Homes Torched Suspect Arrested

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after three houses caught fire within 14 minutes, leaving two teenagers and a woman hospitalized.

Emergency services were called to three separate fires within a two-mile radius in Ashby-de-la Zouch, Leicestershire, today (November 21).

The man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder is 50 years old and remains in custody.

One of the deceased teenagers is being treated in hospital for burn injuries, while the other three are being treated for smoke inhalation. Leicestershire Police said their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening or life-threatening.

Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby said: "Based on what we know so far, we believe these incidents are linked and were deliberately caused by the same man."

The first fire broke out on Holywell Avenue at 7:05 am, followed by reports of a second fire about a mile away on Prestop Drive.

Then at 7:19 am, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service received reports of a third fire about half a mile away on Clifton Drive.

The fire service said it sent five pumps and an aerial ladder platform to the scene of the first fire on Holywell Avenue.

One neighbour told Leicestershire Live about the aftermath of the fire: "It looks like something exploded. How terrible, especially just before Christmas." Another said the conditions were "crazy."

If anyone has any information, they are asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 104 of November 21. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.