Burglars set fire to home

A CLEVEDON family is appealing for help after callous burglars attempted to set fire to their home after stealing from the property.

The couple’s 18-year-old son returned to their home in Kenn Road on March 1 to a small fire in their dining room. He put the blaze out but his parents believe if he had been returned a few minutes later their house could have been burnt to the ground.

His dad, who does not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “When my son came back there was a packed of tissues alight on the wooden bureau. My son managed to put it out, but it burnt the unit.

“Another minute or two later and I think we would have been saying goodbye to the house. The flames looked like they had been trying to take hold.

“They also took about �50. It’s not the fact that we were burgled that upsets me the most, it’s the fact that they tried to set fire to our house. My wife is pretty terrified, but I’m furious.

The burglars are believed to have gained entry by pushing an implement through the cat flap to unlock the door from the inside.

The 48-year-old mechanic said: “When they got in they only stayed in the dining room. We’ve got two dogs which are very noisy and I think they grabbed the cash and ran as the dogs were making a racket.

“We are having a house alarm fitted as soon as possible and putting up some secure gates out the back. The extra security is costing us quite a bit.”

The man is desperate see the culprits brought to justice and is offering a small cash reward for any information which leads to a conviction.

The incident happened between 1.45-3.30pm on March 1. Anyone with any information about the burglary is asked to call the police on 0845 4567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.