Wirral mum and daughter's terror after arson attack

Jan 2 2013

THE pregnant older sister of murdered Wirral student Hannah Windsor was targeted by arsonists  who set fire to her home.

Mum Donna Windsor and her nine-year-old  daughter, Lizzie, had to be  rescued by firefighters after  the front door of their house  was set alight.

Crews managed to pull Lizzie to safety through a first- floor window.

But Ms Windsor, who is six  months pregnant, was unable to escape that way and  had to wait in the smoke- filled house until crews had  extinguished the small fire.

The drama unfolded at the  property on Demesne Street  in Seacombe just after  12.10am on Sunday.

Crews from Wallasey and  Birkenhead fire stations attended the incident.

Terrified Ms Windsor said  her only thought was for the  safety of her daughter.

She said: “I had been to a  friend’s house and had not  long got in. I heard two lads  outside and the next thing  my fire alarm was going off.

“I rang the fire brigade and  I think one of my neighbours  did as well.

“It was petrifying. I just  wanted my daughter to be  safe.”

Merseyside Police said the  fire was being treated as arson and an 18-year-old and 19- year-old, both from Sea-  combe, were later arrested.

They were questioned on  suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The fire was contained to  the front door of the house  and caused extensive smoke  damage.

Ms Windsor and her daughter were given oxygen at the  scene by firefighters. They  were transferred to Arrowe  Park Hospital for observation but later discharged.

Ms Windsor said: “It was a  small fire and it was limited  to the front door but  everything smells of smoke,  even my baby’s pram.

“All the Christmas presents  were in the living room but  hopefully if I wash them it  will come off.” 

A spokesman for Merseyside fire service said: “The  fire started at about 12.10am  when the front door was set  alight.

“Crews administered oxygen therapy and both were  transferred to Arrowe Park  Hospital suffering  smoke inhalation.”

Dale Geoffrey Guiton, 18  and Michael Edwin Guiton  19, both from Demesne  Street, Seacombe have been  charged with arson with intent to endanger life and  were due to appear at Wirral  Magistrates Court.