News / fire
Suspected arsonist arrested after spate of early morning fires
A suspected arsonist is in police custody after several fires were started across Bristol in the early hours of the morning.
The 36-year-old man was arrested at around 5.15am on Monday following bin fires in Totterdown and a number of city centre locations including Broadmead, Nelson Street, St Nicholas Street and Welsh Back.
Avon & Somerset Police worked with council CCTV operators to identify a potential suspect soon before 5am after first being alerted to the blazes by Avon Fire & Rescue Service at about 3.15am.
The fire on St Nicholas Street in the Old City was started outside Seamus O’Donnell’s – photo: Avon & Somerset Police
Avon & Somerset Police chief inspector Keith Smith said: “Officers worked tirelessly overnight with firefighters and council CCTV staff in response to these fires and this led to a man being arrested on suspicion of arson.
“He was transported into custody, where he remains.
“These fires will have a financial impact, including to one business which sustained some exterior building damage.
“Fortunately, we do not believe anyone was injured.
“Deliberately starting a fire is incredibly dangerous and another time could have led to far more serious consequences.”
Another fire was list at the junction of Welsh Back and King Street – photo: Avon & Somerset Police
Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police
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