BAIL EXTENDED FOR MAN AT CENTRE OF INVESTIGATION INTO EAST COWES ARSON ATTACKS

The 56-year-old man at the centre of an investigation into a spate of arson attacks in the town of East Cowes over the past 18 months has seen his bail extended. The incidents occurred between 14th July 2022 and 16th June this year, with almost a dozen vehicles suspected of being deliberately set alight in the York Avenue, Mayfield Road, Victoria Grove and Kent Avenue areas. All fires were reported on by Island Echo. In the most recent incident, a fire occurred at a house in Princess Close, as first reported by Island Echo. The total estimated damage for all of these arsons combined is around £350,000-400,000. On the morning of 1st September 2023, officers descended on the Kingslea Road area shortly after 09:00 and detained their 56-year-old suspect, as well as seizing a motor home and a car. He was originally bailed until 1st December 2023, but that has since seen extended to 1st March 2024 whilst investigations continue.