A MAN had a lucky escape after arsonists targeted a block of flats in the latest attacks on the Loddon neighbourhood. Police said that arsonists struck wheelie bins in Jubilee Hall and Cedar Drive in the early hours of yesterday.

A MAN had a lucky escape after arsonists targeted a block of flats in the latest attacks on the Loddon neighbourhood.

Police said that arsonists struck wheelie bins in Jubilee Hall and Cedar Drive in the early hours of yesterday.

Firefighters were also called to a blaze in a storage area at a block of flats in Hobart Road between 11pm and 11.30pm on Monday.

Norfolk Fire Service spokesman Martin Barsby said that fortunately a man in a first floor flat was alerted to the blaze after his smoke alarm went off.

In a second stroke of good fortune the fire proved so strong that it burst a plastic water pipe nearby which acted as a sprinkler.

Mr Barsby said: “He was extremely lucky. What was a serious incident could have been extremely serious if it were not for the fact this man had a working smoke alarm and the water pipe burst.”

Police are warning residents to be vigilant following the latest spate of attacks which come after a number of wheelie bin fires in the area last Thursday.

Insp John Allison, of Poringland and Loddon safer neighbourhood team, said “At the present time there is no evidence to suggest that the most recent incidents are linked to those of Thursday, March 12, however we are keeping an open mind. Norfolk Constabulary is working with Norfolk Fire Service and other partner agencies in a bid to tackle the problem. We are keen to hear from anyone who has information regarding these incidents”.

Witnesses should contact Sgt Aldis or Loddon safer neighbourhood team 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.