An arson attack victim has spoken of her fear after finding that firebugs had set fire to her front door.

Terri McDonald - who had just come out of hospital after hand surgery - woke to find the letterbox of her flat in Greenstead, Colchester, scorched by flames.

Burning tissue had been pushed into it but luckily it went out before it could cause serious damage to the Avon Way home.

Police today warned the arsonists they could have killed someone and asked for help to catch them.

Ms McDonald, 56, said: "I was very scared to think kids can do something like that.

"Years ago as kids we used to knock on people's doors and run off but we'd never think of doing anything as dangerous as that."

Ms McDonald was baffled as to why her two-bedroomed flat had been targeted.

Acting Det Sgt Mike Sheeran, of Colchester CID, said: "This is a serious offence and we would appreciate a call from anyone who knows who is responsible. The consequences are potentially fatal if the fire had taken hold."

Published Wednesday, January 12, 2005

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