Police today said a suspected arson attack which left a woman homeless could be connected to two other fires.

The blaze, which swept through the house in Court 5, Hemingway Road, Witham, on Thursday night, started in or near a conservatory behind the council-owned property.

Police are linking the attack to two other recent fires in the grounds of the house, one on July 23 when rubbish was set alight and another on July 25 when the garden shed was burnt down.

Det Sgt Vaughn High, of Witham CID, said: "It was fortunate that the occupier discovered the fire before it had spread through the house and was able to get out safely, otherwise the consequences could have been far more serious."

Anyone with information about any of the three linked fires can contact Witham CID in confidence on 01376 501212.

Published Monday, August 4, 2003

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