13/06/2011 - Castle Bytham Arson Update Incident 17 of 4th May 2011 Update of 13th June 2011 Police have today released a CCTV image of the suspect in the hope that it will bring further information from the public.
The image shows the offender in a Halloween style mask which was worn to conceal identity during the arson attack.
13.6.11 Arson mask.JPG (size 4.8 KB)
Detective Inspector Dave Swan has released CCTV footage of a cyclist seen in Castle Bytham at around 2:30am on the morning of the fire. He is also issuing photographs of the remains of a firework which he believes was used to start the blaze.
VIDEO
D/Insp Dave Swan said, "I appreciate that the CCTV footage is of poor quality but it may just jog someone's memory and encourage them to contact us with the name of a suspect. With regard to the photograph of the firework I would ask anyone who has any information about its origins, or suggestions as to who may have bought it or owned it to contact us via 0300 111 0300"
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
D/Insp Swan is available for interview today please contact the press office at Lincs Police HQ on 01522 558026 to request an interview.
Incident 17 of 4th May 2011 Update of 10th May 2011 Police are now in a position to release a description of a potential offender in relation to this incident.
A person (sex not identifiable) was seen in the area at the time of the incident riding a pedal cycle with drop-down, racer-style handle bars. That person also had a back pack on.
DI Dave Swan said: "We need to trace this person as soon as possible. We are calling on anyone who was in or around the village in the early hours of the 4th, who may have seen the person on the bike, or who thinks they can identify him or her, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
"A huge amount of work is being done to trace the offender by a dedicated team of detectives.
"At this stage we have no reason to believe that anyone else in the village or the surrounding area is as risk.
"The couple involved have temporarily moved away from the area."
Incident 17 of 4th May 2011 Original Press Release of 4th May 2011 Police were called to a house fire at a property on High Street, Castle Bytham at just before 3am on Wednesday 4th May.
Neighbours had alerted the occupants to the fire and assisted them in escaping from the house. A 82-year-old man and a 74 year-old woman were treated at the scene by Ambulance crews and were taken to Peterborough District Hospital with smoke inhalation. They were kept in overnight for observation and discharged at just after 8am. The couple's dog was discovered by Fire crews dead in the property.
Initial investigations by Fire and Rescue indicate that the fire was started deliberately. There was extensive fire and smoke damage to the house. Police are appealing for any information in relation to this incident and are asking anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
Detective Inspector Dave Swan says, "It was lucky that the couple escaped from this blaze, especially considering the extent of the fire and their age. Otherwise, we could now be dealing with a much more serious incident. As it is, their pet has died and their home has been extensively damaged. We are urging anyone who can help with information about this incident to come forward".
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 0300 111 0300 quoting incident 17 of 4th May 2011.
