Sleeping man ‘extremely lucky’ to escape tent after arsonist sets it on fire

A sleeping man was lucky to escape his tent after it was set on fire at a nature reserve on the outskirts of Bristol. Police are investigating the incident at Willsbridge Mill Nature Reserve on Saturday (February 4) at 6.30pm.

The force said the man was woken from his sleep by the smell of smoke and was fortuante to exit the tent before the fire took hold. The incident is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life.

Investigating officer PC Joel Williams said: “The victim is extremely lucky to have escaped this incident without injury as tents are highly flammable. If you were in the nature reserve on Saturday evening and saw anything suspicious please get in touch.

“This is a serious offence and while we’re investigating who’s responsible, we’ve also provided advice and support to the victim to help him keep himself safe.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw anything suspicious, should phone 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223028078.

Alternatively, they could contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and the caller will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.