Woman and son escape house fire after fuel poured through letterbox and set alight
A woman and a her son escaped a serious house fire in Sandwell after their home was set alight in an arson attack.
The 37-year-old victim was at home in Georges Drive, Smethwick, when she heard a noise like running water. When she went to investigate she saw a pipe coming through the letterbox with a distinctive smelling liquid pouring through and a figure on the other side of the door.
She challenged the man and ran to the window where she could see him walking away having set the door on fire.
The fire service were called, arrived quickly and were able to extinguish the fire before any serious damage was done.
The man is described as black, around 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build and wearing a black bomber jacket over black trousers. Police believe he either had a black beard or was wearing a face covering with a yellow woolly hat with pink and orange stripes.
Detective Adam Austin is leading the investigation, he said: "We urgently need anyone who saw this man acting suspiciously in the area to contact us as soon as possible.
"The residents were extremely fortunate that the fire didn't get worse and that they were able to escape unhurt.
"Whoever did this showed complete disregard to the lives of the people at the house and we need members of the public to help us bring him to justice."
Forensic experts have examined the scene for evidence and officers are conducting house to house enquiries in a bid to trace the suspect.
DS Austin can be contacted on 101 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
