WOODFORD GRN: Second suspicious fire at historic house
10:40am Friday 24th October 2008
AN historic home has been hit by suspected arsonists for the second time in five months.
The derelict property, on Broomhill Walk in Woodford Green, caught fire at around 2am this morning and took firefighters over two hours to bring under control.
There are no reports of any serious injuries, but some neighbours told The Guardian they were suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.
The first floor and roof of the house was badly damaged, but the building is still standing.
It comes after a blaze at the house back in June, which police believe was started deliberately.
One neighbour, retired banker Rais Nisar, said: "It's very suspicious, I can't believe it's happened again.
"We are all very scared now. If people can torch that house twice they can torch our ones too."
Development company J and N Property had wanted to demolish the house and build eight flats on the site, but their plans were turned down by the council in March.
Nicholas Stavris, of J and N Property, reacted with horror when the Guardian broke the news to him about the fire.
“I’m shocked," he said. "I haven’t heard anything about a fire, and my colleague hasn’t contacted me about it so I’m guessing he hasn’t heard anything either. We're going to have to find out more about it."
A spokeswoman for Ilford Police said: "The fire was deliberate. The front door was found open with damage consistent with being forced.
"No persons were injured during the incident and no suspects were seen."
"Any witnesses should contact DC Preou on 020-8345-2680."
The full cause of the fire is still under investigation by fire crews.
A spokesman for the fire service said: "The electricity and gas supply has been cut off for several months at the property, but other than that we cannot comment further."