Pensioner rushed to hospital after Grimsby arson attack

Police and firefighters were called to Stanage Walk at around 11pm on Friday to reports of a fire.

A wheelie bin had been set alight and pushed against the front door of a ground floor flat in the street.

The man inside, aged 67, was taken to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

Neighbours saw the fire and called the police.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicki Miller, from Humberside Police, said: “If it were not for the quick thinking of neighbours who went to this man’s aid and called the emergency services, he could easily have been killed.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and I would appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious or untoward in this area to come forward.

“We work closely with our partners in Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, North East Lincolnshire Council and other key agencies in the area to tackle this kind of offending.

“We deal robustly with those involved and educate young people about the potential consequences of deliberately setting fires.”

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 2242442.