AN ELDERLY resident was woken by fire crew and a police officer after his house was subject to an arson attack.

Ronald Checketts, 98, said he was confused when fire crew woke him up at around midnight on Sunday night to tell him they had put out a fire in his home, on Nelson Drive, Christchurch.

Mr Checketts, who has lived there for 28 years, said: “The policeman came into my room and woke me up. He said there had been a fire outside my front door, and it was started deliberately.

“I was confused. I didn’t know what was happening. I haven’t got any enemies. I can’t understand why this has happened.”

Mr Checketts’ son, Adrian, added: “Unfortunately, my dad’s little bungalow is right on the corner and people can get into the corner and not be seen.”

Adrian said this is the third arson attack at the complex in as many years and residents have been pleading with Sovereign Housing, who are responsible for properties, for CCTV.

He continued: “They removed all care and support systems. We have been pleading with them.

“Too often there is antisocial behaviour. Local police said CCTV is a good idea.

“There are 100 very vulnerable people. One arson attack was nearly fatal. CCTV would solve all of it.”

The door of Mr Checketts’s home was scorched, and the carpet of the porch was covered in soot.

Stuart Davies, divisional director of Sovereign, said: “We visited our residents following the fire, making sure that everyone was okay and giving them the opportunity to let us know of any further concerns they might have.

“One property’s electrical supply was damaged as a result of the incident. We made the supply safe shortly after the fire was reported.

“Our residents have access to a care line 24 hours a day, where they can talk to our trained staff about any incidents, emergencies or issues that they need support with.

“Our concierge also visits in person three times a week. We will continue to work closely with the local police, fire brigade and residents to monitor this particular situation.

“As a further precaution we’ll be fitting locks on all the meter cupboards over the next few days.”

Dorset Police were called and said they believed the fire was started deliberately.

A spokesman said enquiries were ongoing and no arrests had been made.