These are the terrifying scenes after the arsonists attacked the car of a Birmingham family on their journey, with huge flames spreading down the street. And the victims claim that the horrific incident is part of a four-year hatred campaign against them.
A shocking video shows moments after the car burst into flames at the entrance to Yardley’s home while parents and their two teenage children slept upstairs. However, the father claims that the police closed the case of house fire days later alleging that they had no further lines of investigation.
At first, they told the family that they had put a critical risk marker on their address and urged them to call 999 if they felt in danger. West Midlands police officers had also offered to move the family to a hotel for a “day or so” while finding alternative accommodation while police investigated the house fire and a separate harassment complaint.
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The father, who has asked not to be named for fear of further reprisals, says the family has been the target of a hate campaign since 2018, when another car was set on fire on its road. The family later moved.
He claims an “incendiary device” was used to start the latest wildfire on May 2. Meanwhile, he says fake food deliveries are also being made at his home, the latest for 90 pounds of free meals.
The last fire in a car occurred in the early hours. The father said: “We woke up in the same case we woke up about four years ago when we saw our car on fire.
“Obviously this is not a coincidence, as we are being clear on target. Fortunately, the neighbors had called the fire department, so the fire was extinguished before it had risen to the point of burning down our house.”
Consequences of the arson attack on the car
The father believes an “incendiary device” was thrown into the car. He said: “He threw himself into the car, setting fire to both the road and our unit. At that moment, my wife and I, myself and my children were asleep so you can imagine the shock and outrage we felt.
“The damage to the car was extremely significant and also posed a health hazard, so it had to be removed from our car the next day. The fire also left a large crack in one of the windows of the car. our ground floor and there was also part of the brick and the fence of the house. left damaged “.
Police took the statement to the family and the desperate father later obtained video footage of a neighbor of a car passing shortly before and after the attack. It did not show the license plate.
However, police later sent an initial email to the family, saying the images were not key evidence. The email said, “Thank you for the pictures I saw. I understand that you are working hard to find the person responsible, and of course this is completely understandable.
The previous arson attack on the family car in 2018.
“In relation to more CCTV inquiries and ANPR checks, etc., we would not do it if it does not really show the crime, as we could not prove that it is in fact the same vehicle that committed the offense. If you are aware of any CCTV camera that it really covers the place of the infraction, we will certainly make these inquiries.
“The images you sent me would not be useful from an evidence point of view, as I am sure you will appreciate.
“We’ve placed a critical risk marker on your address. I’ve also informed your neighborhood team if they can offer you any support from you. I’m sorry I can’t be of any further help at this time. “
The initial response has aroused the father’s anger. He said: “The police are aware that the crime is being repeated and I feel as if they are still on the sidelines. There are lives that are being endangered and the previous fire could have been fatal if it had not been managed. as fast as it was “.
Car and road on fire
As for the culprits, he said: “I have my suspicions, but as there is no evidence, the police have ruled out the possibility of an investigation. We have gone out of our way and tried to find surveillance images and we have we’ve found some “clues” if you want to name it, and we’re not even professionals.
“Which brings me back to the point where the police have the power to help us and stop this sick individual once and for all. My only question is why they don’t help us and why we do their job. ?
“Police can check surveillance in the area and potentially ANPR cameras. This incident is life-threatening not only for me and my family, but potentially for my neighbors and passersby. from our house to the main road “.
After being contacted by BirminghamLive, West Midlands police issued a statement explaining what they were doing to help the family. He said: “We are investigating after receiving a report earlier this month from a woman victim of harassment and harassment.
“We fully understand how distressing this is and have offered to move her and other family members to alternative accommodation as we move forward with investigations to determine who is responsible. We are routinely monitoring the area as part of it. of our patrol strategy.
“We were also warned that a family member’s car was recently damaged in an alleged arson attack. We are investigating whether these are related.”
The statement added: “Despite conducting thorough checks in the area, we have not been able to identify any clear CCTV showing the crime, or forensic opportunities, which allow us to positively identify anyone involved. Due to the high level of demand of service, they should be proportionate to the research, but we will always try to act on any new information we receive.
“We are also aware of previous incidents of fire and criminal damage while living in alternative accommodation four years ago and will also look into any potential connections.”
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