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Kidderminster fire: 'Arson' leaves mother and son critical | |
(about 7 hours later) | |
A mother is critically ill and her young son is seriously ill following a suspected arson attack in Kidderminster, Worcestershire. | |
Firefighters were called to a flat above shops in Horsefair at about 22:00 GMT on Thursday. | |
They rescued the woman, 22, and her son, five. Witnesses said residents jumped from windows of adjoining flats. | |
A 41-year-old man from Kidderminster has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. | |
Dean Gold, manager of the Old Peacock pub on the street, said: "We realised there were people upstairs and we were telling them all to jump out. | |
"Two lads jumped out and we caught them, then a lorry pulled alongside and another lad jumped out." | |
Another eyewitness, who gave his name as George, said: "We heard a bang, had a look and there was a big cloud of smoke. We went up the road and there were people everywhere and police. | |
"The firemen came out with a woman and were resuscitating her for I don't know how long. Then they got either a girl or boy out, maybe seven or eight or even younger than that." | "The firemen came out with a woman and were resuscitating her for I don't know how long. Then they got either a girl or boy out, maybe seven or eight or even younger than that." |
The rescued woman was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and the boy to Birmingham Children's Hospital. | The rescued woman was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and the boy to Birmingham Children's Hospital. |
Diane Powell, nearby resident, said the family was Polish. | |
She said: "They've not long moved in. As far as I'm aware they were a man and his wife and young son and I believe she was pregnant again." | |
Two other people were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and were taken to Worcester Hospital, where their condition was described as "not serious". | |
Neighbours were moved out of their homes following the fire. | Neighbours were moved out of their homes following the fire. |
Nick Cadman, North Worcestershire Fire Commander, described the rescue operation as "significant" and praised his team's prompt work in stopping the spread of the fire to other homes and shops. | Nick Cadman, North Worcestershire Fire Commander, described the rescue operation as "significant" and praised his team's prompt work in stopping the spread of the fire to other homes and shops. |
Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said: "We would like to thank everyone in the surrounding area for their support and patience while we manage and investigate this incident." | Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said: "We would like to thank everyone in the surrounding area for their support and patience while we manage and investigate this incident." |