Terrified Bristol residents are pleading for help
Arson attacks
Residents of a quiet residential cul-de-sac in Cadbury Heath say they are living in fear after a third apparently targeted attack on a property in their street, with concerns mounting over a lack of police investigation.
The latest incident took place at 10.44pm last Sunday, April 20, when a large rock was thrown through the kitchen window of a property in Bickford Close.
The act of vandalism follows a serious arson attack in February at a neighbouring property and another attempted incident in March, suggesting a disturbing pattern targeting three properties at the end of the street.
According to local resident Alison Sowerby all three incidents were carried out by the same individual. She said CCTV footage from each of the three events clearly shows the same person dressed in identical clothing, including a distinctive pair of trainers, a backpack and a balaclava.
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The February arson attack prompted widespread concern in the community. Alison said she was personally targeted on March 10 when a brick was thrown at her conservatory, though it missed the structure.
The latest rock-throwing incident has only deepened unease among residents, who now believe they are being deliberately targeted.
Arson attacks
She said that the most recent attack was reported to the police, and the similarities with the previous incidents were highlighted. However, she expressed frustration that, aside from issuing a crime reference number, officers have made no further contact or investigation.
Alison added it took police 10 days to contact the owner of a neighbour after the initial fire and that no support or follow-up has been offered since. We are completely dumbfounded by the lack of attention or investigation by the police,” Alison said.
“These incidents are obviously connected, as they have the same culprit, but why? Who is behind it? Is this someone acting alone or is someone else behind these attacks?”
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “We fully appreciate the impact these types of incidents can have on the victims and we continue to investigate two incidents reported to us in Bickford Close, Cadbury Heath in recent months.
“The most recent was reported at 10.50pm on Sunday, April 20, of a rock having been thrown through the window of a house. An officer spoke to the victim on Wednesday, April 23, to take an initial account of the incident and to provide the details of how to send over doorbell camera footage that had been captured.
“The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information should call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225111452.
“We also continue to appeal for information about the incident that took place shortly before 9pm on Tuesday, February 18, in which a man was reported to have set a car alight in Bickford Close. The fire subsequently spread to a nearby van, damaging both vehicles.
“Officers attended on the night, alongside the fire service, and initial CCTV and house-to-house enquiries were completed.
“The following day a message was sent to the victim who was out of the country at the time of the incident. An officer met them in person after they returned
“Officers carried out further house-to-house enquiries took place over the following weeks and letters were also distributed to houses in the surrounding area.
“A CCTV image of the back of the suspect was collected and a public appeal for information was issued on Monday, March 10. Unfortunately, this did not produce any further lines of enquiry.
“We continue to encourage anyone with any information about this incident to contact us by calling 101 and using the reference number 5225043908.”
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