Avon & Somerset Police are seeking the assistance of the public in an ongoing investigation into an arson incident that occurred in the Hartcliffe area of Bristol. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, January 7, when the front door of a house on Blagrove Crescent was set alight.

Fortunately, the occupants of the house, including children, were able to extinguish the fire before the arrival of the fire service. PC David Thorne, the officer in charge of the case, emphasized the potential severity of the situation, stating, “The outcome could’ve been devastating had one of the residents not smelled smoke and raised the alarm.”

The incident has left the residents shaken, and authorities are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible. PC Thorne revealed that the investigation has already involved several measures, including house-to-house inquiries and a forensic examination of the scene. However, the police are now turning to the local community for additional information.

PC Thorne urged anyone who was in the Blagrove Crescent area during the early hours of Sunday or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity to come forward. Additionally, individuals with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that may have captured relevant information are encouraged to share it with the authorities.

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact the police at 101. When calling, provide the reference number 5224005196 to the call handler. Alternatively, you can submit information through their online appeals form.