A fundraiser has been launched to help a family after an arson attack in Plymouth. A motorbike was set on fire next to a house on North Road West yesterday morning, Monday, December 30.
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched an investigation. The bike fire spread to the nearby house, destroying the front door and badly damaging the gutters and fascia.
The fire broke out around 5.55am and quickly spread to the nearby house where people were sleeping inside. Luckily, no one was injured and one person escaped from the building before the fire spread.
The fire was extinguished before the house was badly damaged. But, the Yamaha motorcycle was completely destroyed and has left the occupant of the house unable to work and make money.
Organising the GoFundMe, Lorean Addams said the near-tragic event has left them unable to work. They said: “This morning at 6am on the 30th of December, I woke up to a near-tragic event—an arson attack that is currently under police investigation. My mother and I were sleeping just on the other side of the front door where the fire started.
“Thankfully, only my motorbike and part of the house were affected. My motorbike, which I had put so much effort into maintaining with regular check-ups and upgrades to ensure it was reliable all year round, has been completely destroyed.
“This bike was my sole means of transportation for work, as I am self-employed. Now, I find myself jobless and unable to support myself with basic necessities like food, bills, and housing. Any donations to help me get my life back on track would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.”
You can find Lorean’s GoFundMe and full story here.
Police officers are investigating and treating the fire as arson. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which may assist officers, is asked to call 101 quoting the reference number 50240325939.
In a statement, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “One motorcycle well alight which spread to mid terraced two storey property measuring approximately 8 metres x 15 metres.
“Fire contained to the outside of property, one person self extricated from property. Crews used two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one safety jet, thermal imaging camera and short extension ladder.
“Aerial ladder platform attended and cut away fascias of outside of building and confirmed no fire spread. The cause of the fire was believed to be deliberate.”