WATCH: Two men convicted for destroying a house in an arson attack in Clayton-Le-Moors
The pair did it to try and make money in an insurance scam
Last updated 25th Jul 2017
TWO people have been convicted of setting fire to a house in Clayton-le-Moors, as part of an insurance scam.
Samuel Todd, 27, and Ryan Ibbitson, 23, were found guilty following a trial at Burnley Crown Court, of starting a fire at an address on Cumberland Avenue, more than three years ago.
Under the cover of darkness the pair were caught on CCTV carrying a canister of petrol, before disappearing down the side of the house and reappearing just as an explosion.
Luckily nobody was home at the time, but the explosion caused so much damage that the house had to be demolished.
It also caused major damage to the neighbouring property. Thankfully the residents at that address were on holiday at the time, but were forced to move out for two years while repairs were carried out.
Officers later concluded Todd and Ibbitson had started the fire hoping to put in an insurance claim for damaged property, as the house was being rented by a friend of theirs. The friend has since been cleared of any involvement.
Detective Inspector Tim McDermott, of Lancashire Police, said: “In over 20 years in the police service I cannot recall two suspects who have twisted and altered their accounts as often as Todd and Ibbitson did in an attempt to avoid the consequences of their actions. From the start they believed they could lie their way out of trouble, and it is thanks to a meticulous investigation that justice has now been served.
“The residents of Cumberland Avenue had their homes and lives put at risk and the disruption since has been long and very upsetting. I hope this verdict now offers them some comfort, and they can move forward knowing Ibbitson and Todd will face the consequences of their actions.”
Both Ibbitson and Todd were found guilty of conspiring to commit arson and conspiring to commit fraud.
They are both due to be sentenced on August 15th 2017