Police launch arson investigation after 91-year-old’s hedge set alight in Cricklade

Police are investigating an arson attack on a hedgerow in the garden of a property in Wiltshire.

Emergency services were called to reports of several trees on fire in Lady Mead, Cricklade, shortly before 9pm on Saturday evening (23 April).

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) sent four crews to battle the blaze, which spread from the hedgerow to some wooden planks and a nearby garage.

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The victim’s grandson told of how the 91-year-old “loves her garden” and the affected conifer bushes were planted by her husband 62 years ago.

Wiltshire Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident after officers were called to the scene by the fire service.

“It is believed that the fire was started deliberately, and then spread to some wooden planks on a nearby garage”, a spokesperson confirmed.

The force said nobody was injured, and officers are carrying out enquiries, including speaking to people living in the area who may have witnessed anything suspicious.

DWFRS said it had four fire engines, from Swindon, Stratton, Cirencester and Tetbury, in attendance. The flames were extinguished using two breathing apparatus wearers with hose reel jets.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting crime reference 54220041499. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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