A 60-year-old man from Crawley has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire broke out at a home in Creasys Drive, Broadfield, on Saturday, 14th September. The fire, which started around 3:33 pm, prompted an immediate response from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, supported by Sussex Police.
No human injuries were reported, but tragically, a dog was confirmed deceased at the scene.
The woman who lived at the property has been identified as the suspect’s former partner. Her son, Connor, has since set up a GoFundMe page to help his mother rebuild her life. In a heartfelt statement, Connor shared the devastating circumstances of the fire and the loss of his mother’s beloved dog, Peggy.
TO DONATE THE GOFUNDME PAGE IS AT https://gofund.me/870d6f07
“Hi, I’m Connor, and I’m reaching out to you for support. My mum recently experienced a tragic and life-changing event when her home was intentionally set on fire by someone she trusted—my biological father,” Connor wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“This horrifying act has left her without a home, all her belongings destroyed, and, most painfully, it took the life of her best friend and beloved dog, Peggy.”
Connor described his biological father as a dangerous man with a history of criminal behavior, including violence. He explained that after his mother finally stood up to him and removed him from her life, the man committed this “unthinkable act of cruelty.”
“The fire started while my mum was taking a nap. She was fortunate enough that the neighbours woke her in time; a few more moments in the house, and she might not have made it out alive. She tried to save Peggy, but it was too late. The fire service worked to save her, but there was nothing they could do,” Connor said.
He added, “All my mum has now are the clothes she escaped with. She has lost everything—her home is completely destroyed, her belongings, and, most devastatingly, Peggy, who was more than just a pet.”
Police have reassured the local community, with District Superintendent for Crawley & Mid-Sussex, Imran Asghar, stating: “We acknowledge the impact this has had on the local community, however I’d like to reassure the community that we are treating it as an isolated incident with no threat to the wider community.”
Officers remain at the scene to provide reassurance and continue their investigation. The suspect remains in custody at this time.
While authorities are not seeking any other individuals in connection with the fire, police have appealed for anyone with relevant information, mobile, dashcam, or CCTV footage to come forward. Anyone who can assist is urged to report it online or contact 101, quoting serial 815 of 14/09.
TO DONATE THE GOFUNDME PAGE IS AT https://gofund.me/870d6f07
