Littlemoor dad 'could have died' in arson drama (From Thisisdorset)

Littlemoor dad 'could have died' in arson drama

8:00am Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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A FATHER says he could have been killed after his Weymouth flat was targeted by arsonists.

Mark Clements, 38, arrived back at his home on Saturday night to discover the blaze.

Police said they believe the fire at Culliford Court in Bincombe Rise, Littlemoor, was started after vandals pushed lit material through the letterbox.

The front door and letterbox suffered fire damage while the rest of the first floor flat was affected by smoke.

Mr Clements, who lives alone in the flat after separating from the mother of his seven-year-old daughter, had to stay with a friend overnight because of the damage.

He said he was also attacked outside his flats a few months ago and that now he ‘fears for his life.’ Mr Clements returned home around midnight to hear the sound of a smoke alarm.

He said: “At first I thought if was just in the communal hallway, but as I went upstairs I saw the flames coming out of my letterbox.

“I go to sleep by 11pm most nights so if I had been there I could have been killed.

“I feel like I’m being targeted because I was stabbed just before Christmas.

“I was walking back from town and somebody jumped me and I felt something down my back.

“I didn’t think anything of it because I was drunk, but the next morning I woke up and I was covered in blood.”

Mr Clements added: “I’m living in fear and I look at this fire like an attempted murder.

“But it’s not just me I’m worried about – there’s other people living in these flats including children.

“If someone really is trying to kill me, this is really getting serious.”

Acting Detective Sergeant Simon Austin from Weymouth CID said: “The fire is being treated as suspicious.

“We believe someone may have tried to post something or do something to the letterbox.”

He confirmed Mr Clements reported an assault but police were unable to pursue an investigation due to insufficient evidence.

Mr Clements said he had battled with a drink and drugs problem but he has been trying to turn his life around.

He is due to appear in court for an allegation of cannabis cultivation.

He is currently unemployed but previously ran a painting and decorating business which was supported by the Prince’s Trust. Mr Clements won a Prince’s Trust Enterprise Award to recognise his efforts.

Witnesses and anyone with information about the fire can contact police on 01305 222222.