House fire victim claims yobs 'tried to murder' him
A disabled RAF veteran says drug-dealing yobs are to blame for a huge fire which ripped through his house while he was fast asleep.
Peter Parkinson, 63, was in bed at his home in Norfolk Drive, St Leonards, when the blaze tore through his two-storey house at about 12.15am on Sunday morning.
Although he escaped unharmed two of his neighbours, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 60s, were taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
Six fire engines were sent to the scene and finally brought the blaze under control at 3.05am.
Mr Parkinson told the Observer he believes his home was set on fire by drug-dealing thugs who have borne a grudge against him for several months.
But although police arrested a man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, investigators have not yet discovered how the fire started.
"I was fast asleep at home when I woke up with smoke in the bedroom, which was terrifying.
" I had a quick check in the house and couldn't see any fire, but when I went outside I saw the flames running up the side of the property," said Mr Parkinson.
"I was very lucky - I could have been killed. All I have is the clothes on my back and a camera, but the front of my house has been totally destroyed.
"Let's call it what it is - someone tried to murder me."
Mr Parkinson, a photojournalist, said he believed the fire began in a hedge by the kitchen window.
"There are drug dealers and troublemakers who live near me and they have had a grudge for some time," he said.
"I have to have cameras up to protect my house - you shouldn't have to live like that. I have complained to AmicusHorizon and all I get is excuses, and it's very difficult for the police to help me."
Both of Mr Parkinson's neighbours have been released from hospital but both he and one of the neighbours have been put up in temporary accommodation.
Detective Inspector Emma Heater, of Hastings Police, said: "At this stage the exact cause of the fire is unknown and we cannot determine whether it was deliberate or accidental.
"Forensic scientists and fire investigators have examined the scene but at this time the results are inconclusive.
"A local man has been helping police with their enquiries but no charges have been made and he is no longer in custody.
"We are still examining all possibilities as to the cause of the fire."
And Inspector Rosie Ross added: "I recognise the disruption this has caused local residents and we have been ensuring that there are increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the public until we have the full facts and establish the cause of the fire.
"PCSO Clive Goddard has been knocking on doors and speaking to residents in order to deal with their concerns and is available should any residents have further questions."
Jane Porter, Sussex regional director for AmicusHorizon, said: "Our out-of-hours staff were on site to reassure residents and to resolve immediate housing need. We will work closely with the affected residents throughout this unsettling time."
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Weather for Hastings
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South west
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Light rain
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