Police brand Wolverhampton arson killers 'callous' after 'unprovoked' attack on family sleeping in their beds

The West Midlands Police investigating officers who brought two Staffordshire men to justice for setting a Wolverhampton family's home on fire branded the pair 'callous'.  

Akashdeep Singh, who was 26, died after the blaze at his home in Plascom Road on June 25 last year, with the horrific fire also leaving his mother with life-changing injuries and seriously injuring one of his brothers.

Dale Francis drove Daniel Tatters from Stoke-on-Trent so he could set fire to the home by smashing a front bay window, pouring in flammable liquid and setting it alight using a cigarette lighter, which was then left discarded on the driveway.

Emergency services began getting calls just after 1.10am with one of those calls being from Akashdeep, who was trapped inside the house.

Three of the family were outside as crews arrived, with one of Akashdeep's brothers having jumped out of a first-floor window to escape, seriously injuring his back.

Akashdeep, who had 50 per cent burns, was pronounced dead in hospital later that morning.

His mother, whose injuries were also extensive, remained in hospital for months and had her leg amputated. She did not know her son had died until the October after the blaze.

However, the murderers left a trail of clues behind, including Tatters' lighter at the murder scene.

Senior investigating officer Jenny Birch from West Midlands Police's homicide unit said: "This was a callous and unprovoked attack on people who were asleep in the safety of their own home.

"Our investigation team have worked tirelessly to gather the evidence which has led to these convictions. Both these men played their part in this tragic event and both are accountable for the awful consequences.

"Whilst we know that nothing will ever bring Akashdeep back, we hope that knowing those involved will answer for the consequences of their actions will provide some solace to his family and friends.

"Our thoughts remain with Akashdeep’s family who continue to try to come to terms with their loss as well as their own injuries."

Investigators trawled local CCTV and carried out extensive doorstep enquiries as they worked to identify and trace the two arsonists.

Tatters and Francis travelled from Stoke in a VW Golf registered to Francis before parking up outside East Park a short distance from Plascom Road at about 1am. Digital evidence was used to track their movements that night.

Tatters, aged 26, and Francis, aged 37, had both denied murder but following a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court a jury found them guilty this morning (Tuesday). 

They were also convicted of three counts of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Tatters of Ralph Street, Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent and Francis of Clare Street, Basford, Stoke-on-Trent will be sentenced on Thursday (May 22).