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Witnesses sought after tent set on fire with man inside

Marked police car on a rural road

We’re appealing for witnesses after a tent pitched on Willsbridge Mill Nature Reserve was set on fire as a man slept inside.

Thankfully, the man was woken by the smell of smoke and was able to exit the tent before the fire took hold.

The incident, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life, happened at around 6.30pm on Saturday (4 February).

Investigating officer PC Joel Williams said: “The victim is extremely lucky to have escaped this incident without injury as tents are highly flammable.

“If you were in the nature reserve on Saturday evening and saw anything suspicious please get in touch.

“This is a serious offence and while we’re investigating who’s responsible, we’ve also provided advice and support to the victim to help him keep himself safe.”

If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223028078, or complete our online appeals form.

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.