Man fights for life after Birmingham firework arson attack
A 56-year-old man is fighting for his life and a woman broke her legs escaping a blaze after arsonists set off a firework in the hallway of their Birmingham home.
The man’s 50-year-old partner escaped with fractures to her lower limbs after jumping from a first-floor window of the property in Birchtrees Drive, Tile Cross, after the blaze broke out around 11pm on Thursday.
Both the man, who suffered serious burns and smoke inhalation, and the woman remain in hospital.
Police say they are treating the fire as arson, with a firework believed to be the source of the fire within the hallway of the property. They are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.
Officers are scouring CCTV and conducting house-to-house enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Burton, from West Midlands Police CID, said: “The occupants of the address are in a critical condition in hospital and we are urging anyone who has information to help us trace those responsible to contact us.
"The address remains sealed off while forensic examinations are conducted."
Information can be given by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
