Neighbours rush to help Bristol family of six in suspected arson attack

Police say they believe a fire in Bristol which resulted in a family of six being evacuated from their home may have been started deliberately.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Avon and Somerset Police responded to the incident at a property in Sunnydene in Brislington yesterday (May 15) at 5.09pm.

A cordon was put in place and neighbouring properties were evacuated while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The fire started in a shed next to the house - and the family inside was evacuated prior the arrival of emergency services.

A resident in Sunnydene, who didn’t want to be named, told Bristol World: “It was a mattress that was set fire on the driveway and then it caught a fence alight.

“A lot of the neighbours rushed out to help. A family lives there and I think they are now staying in temporary accommodation.”

A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue service said: “We were called to a building which has two floors - the fire was in an external shed attached to the house.

“Six members of the family were evacuated and we used two firefighters with breathing apparatus and two high pressure hose reels to put the fire out. A ladder was also used make sure the fire was out. Crews left at 6.41pm.”

Police say their enquiries into the fire are ongoing and the cordon has now been lifted.

It is believed the property is owned by Clarion Housing Association, as are others in Sunnydene.

Bristol World has contacted Clarion for comment.