Mum and daughter rescued after arsonists set fire to front door of Seacombe house

Jan 2 2013 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

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

Mum Donna Windsor, who is the sister of Hannah 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.