Couple Escape 'fire In Letter Box' Attack
By Lisa Davidson on Thursday, 24th June 2004.
An elderly couple had a lucky escape after a box of burning matches was pushed through their letter box.
Peta Reed, 70, heard her letter box open at about 4.10pm on Monday and thought her newspaper had been delivered.
But when she went into the hallway she discovered her doormat on fire and shouted for her 81 year old husband, Frank.
He immediately threw the burning mat and box outside the house.
Mrs Reed, of Beaumont Court, Haverhill, said: "He didn't think twice about it. He didn't even think about whether he might get burnt. He just jumped up, picked up the burning box and threw it outside. As he did, I noticed a young boy running down the road. I had never seen him before and to be honest it's quite rare to see children down our street as only a few children still live in this area."
Fortunately, Mr and Mrs Reed were not injured in the incident, but both feel it could have been a different story if Mr Reed hadn't acted so quickly and if it had happened at any other time.
Mrs Reed said: "I feel extremely lucky. It could have been a lot worse. If we hadn't been here, our house would have burnt down. If it had happened at night when we were sleeping we might not be here now."
Only the couple's door-mat was damaged by the fire and fortunately no similar incidents have been reported in the town.
Mrs Reed said: "It seems a ridiculous thing for anyone to do. Why would they want to do something like that?"
The couple reported the incident to police who are now investigating.
A spokesman for Suffolk police said, "This was a particularly alarming and despicable offence which could have had serious consequences. We will not tolerate the mindless actions of such offenders and will be doing everthing within our power to apprehend the offender and deal with him appropriately."
Police are keen to speak to the boy seen running away in the direction of Beaumont Vale.
He is described as white, aged between 10-12 years, five foot tall, with blonde cropped hair and was wearing a jacket and dark trousers. Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Andy Footer at Haverhill Police Station on (01284) 774100 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Peta Reed, 70, heard her letter box open at about 4.10pm on Monday and thought her newspaper had been delivered.
But when she went into the hallway she discovered her doormat on fire and shouted for her 81 year old husband, Frank.
He immediately threw the burning mat and box outside the house.
Mrs Reed, of Beaumont Court, Haverhill, said: "He didn't think twice about it. He didn't even think about whether he might get burnt. He just jumped up, picked up the burning box and threw it outside. As he did, I noticed a young boy running down the road. I had never seen him before and to be honest it's quite rare to see children down our street as only a few children still live in this area."
Fortunately, Mr and Mrs Reed were not injured in the incident, but both feel it could have been a different story if Mr Reed hadn't acted so quickly and if it had happened at any other time.
Mrs Reed said: "I feel extremely lucky. It could have been a lot worse. If we hadn't been here, our house would have burnt down. If it had happened at night when we were sleeping we might not be here now."
Only the couple's door-mat was damaged by the fire and fortunately no similar incidents have been reported in the town.
Mrs Reed said: "It seems a ridiculous thing for anyone to do. Why would they want to do something like that?"
The couple reported the incident to police who are now investigating.
A spokesman for Suffolk police said, "This was a particularly alarming and despicable offence which could have had serious consequences. We will not tolerate the mindless actions of such offenders and will be doing everthing within our power to apprehend the offender and deal with him appropriately."
Police are keen to speak to the boy seen running away in the direction of Beaumont Vale.
He is described as white, aged between 10-12 years, five foot tall, with blonde cropped hair and was wearing a jacket and dark trousers. Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Andy Footer at Haverhill Police Station on (01284) 774100 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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