Dogs seconds from death after arsonists torch Workington sheds

By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 11:57, Monday, 11 March 2013

Arsonists almost killed two dogs when they torched three sheds on allotments in Workington.

The scene of the fire close to Annie Pit Lane in Workington

The terrified animals were trapped inside but escaped unharmed when firefighters arrived in the nick of time.

Police are investigating a series of shed fires at allotments off Douglas Road, close to Annie Pit Lane, plus another shed fire at Flimby and a blaze in a Portakabin at Derwent Howe.

All are believed to have been started deliberately.

Detectives have not commented on the theory that a serial arsonist is on the loose.

Firefighters were called to the allotments on Saturday evening.

Acting crew manager Sean Knapp, of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There were three sheds alight and two were severely damaged.

“One had two dogs in it, which we rescued.

“Another couple of minutes and they would have been toast. The lads did really well to get them out.”

At firefighters’ request, police stepped up patrols in the early hours of Sunday to deter more attacks.

The victims included Gillian and William Young, of Headlands Close, Workington, who look after an allotment belonging to Gillian’s disabled father, Richard Carter, 82.

Mrs Young said: “Our shed was destroyed.

“We lost two rotovators and there was quite a lot of stuff inside ready to be planted out.

“My dad has had the allotment for years and years. It was his pride and joy.

“Somebody went to his house in Harrington Road to tell him about the fire and we went down to have a look.

“My husband is devastated. What’s done is done now. We just have to pick up the pieces and start again.”

Police have not said if they are linking the allotment fires to another suspected arson attack at Flimby, in the early hours of Saturday, when a shed was destroyed next to the A596.

Two ponies nearby were led to safety.

Workington firefighters were called out again yesterday afternoon to extinguish a fire that destroyed a Portakabin at Derwent Howe Industrial Estate.

First published at 11:40, Monday, 11 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk