Police hunt arsonist who endangered lives

Detectives are seeking an arsonist who put lives in danger by setting fire to a motorcycle underneath a block of Plymouth flats.

Fire crews were called to Ferry Road in Devonport around 7.20am on Sunday 30 March and found the motorcycle well alight in a garage beneath the flats.

The offenders had first tried to steal the Kawasaki ZR machine, which had been moved from its parking spot before being torched.

The £1,500 bike and the garage door were completely destroyed by fire, while extensive fire damage was caused to the communal garage and the outside of the building.

The occupants of the flats were all evacuated safely thanks to the actions of one resident who heard the fire and raised the alarm.

The fire is being treated as arson and detectives are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area at the time.

Officers have conducted house-to-house enquiries and police community support officers have conducted reassurance patrols for residents following the incident.

Detective Constable Gavin Bulley, from Devonport police station, said: “This was a very serious offence - the fire was quite extensive and did endanger the lives of people in the flats.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity or individuals at the time of the offence.

"There were numerous potential witnesses in the area at the time and the flats overlook the Torpoint Ferry which had just disembarked at the time of the offence. We would urge anyone with information to contact us.”

If you can assist with the investigation please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting crime reference ED/14/1995.