Witnesses Sought Following Suspected Arson At House In Slyfield Green

Published on: 20 Oct, 2013
Updated on: 20 Oct, 2013

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses after a suspected arson attack in Slyfield Green, Guildford.

The house in Waterside Road where there was a fire on Friday night.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to an address in Waterside Road last night (Friday, October 18) after reports of a house fire. After tackling the fire, early investigations indicated that the fire was started deliberately and Surrey Police were called to the scene.

Detectives believe that the fire was started sometime between 9.30pm and 10.40pm.

There are no reports of any injuries as a result of the fire.

Members of the public reported seeing a woman leaving the property at around 9.30pm. She is described as being white, in her twenties or older, with a large build and wide shoulders, wearing red or black leggings and vest top with dark hair which was tied back in a ponytail.

Two men have also been reported in the vicinity at around the same time. They are both described as being white, in their thirties or forties, clean shaven and having short or not much hair. One man is described as having a slender build and wearing a blue and red football top. The other man is described as having a large build and wearing grey clothing.

Scene of crime officers and fire investigators were carrying out a detailed examination of the property on Saturday.

Officers are also investigating reports of a disturbance at the same property earlier on the same day at around 10.45am on Friday, October 18). Shouting and load bangs were heard.

Detective Constable Dan Chant said: “This was a very serious incident where lives were put at risk and there could have been a much more serious outcome had the fire not been contained.

“Fortunately no one was injured during the fire but the fact that neighbouring properties were occupied at the time of the incident shows just how easily this fire could have resulted in a tragic outcome.

“We are in the process of carrying out a thorough investigation into the fire but we need assistance from members of the public to track down those responsible.

“I urge anyone who saw people acting suspiciously at around the time of the fire or has seen anyone matching the descriptions of the woman and two men seen in the area to contact us.

“Similarly, anyone who heard any usual activity at the property earlier on in the day should contact Surrey Police as a matter of urgency as this information could prove vital to our on-going investigation.”

“Serious incidents of this nature are thankfully not a common occurrence in Surrey and I would like to assure local residents that we are doing everything possible to track down those responsible.”

Anyone who has any information should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference GD/13/8917, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.