Arson attacker jailed after fire in Scunthorpe
Tomasz Nowak, 57, set fire to a garage dangerously close to neighbouring homes
A man, who set fire to a garage dangerously close to neighbouring homes in Scunthorpe on New Year’s Eve, has been sent to prison for five years and one month, at an appearance at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday, 12 September 2025.
Tomasz Nowak, 57, of West Common Lane, was sentenced, after pleading guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
On Tuesday, 31 December 2024 at around 9.15pm, Nowak reportedly arrived by taxi at a property on West Common Lane, wearing a green high visibility jacket and black hat. He was seen entering a garage located at the bottom of a driveway and moments later, a loud bang was heard by nearby residents as flames began to spread rapidly. The garage, which contained wooden furniture, was in close proximity to adjoining homes. Residents reportedly evacuated their properties, fearful that the fire would spread further.
Shortly after the loud noise, Nowak was reportedly seen re-entering the burning garage, believed to be attempting to retrieve his jacket and hat. Emergency services arrived swiftly to extinguish the blaze, before it reached nearby homes.
Officers were immediately deployed to the scene, and following initial enquiries, a description of the suspect was obtained from witnesses including details of a green high visibility jacket and black hat.
Shorly after, officers located a man nearby who matched the description provided. He was identified as Tomasz Nowak and arrested at a neighbouring property on West Common Lane on suspicion of arson, with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
Items of clothing matching those described by witnesses including a high visibility jacket and black hat were seized from Nowak. These were later linked to the offence through witness statements and extensive CCTV enquiries.
CID Detective Constable, Scott Belton, said: “This was a reckless and dangerous act that put lives at risk. The garage was just metres from occupied homes, and the fire caused fear among residents who were forced to evacuate their homes in the dark on New Year’s Eve.
“Thanks to the quick response from emergency services and the bravery of neighbours who acted swiftly, the fire was contained before it spread further. It’s incredibly fortunate that no one was physically harmed, but the emotional impact on those affected should not be underestimated.
“Nowak showed a complete disregard for the safety of others. He was completely reckless, and I am reassured that he is now behind bars and no longer poses a risk to the wider community.
‘’I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that such behaviour will be dealt with seriously. Arson is not only a crime against property, but it also endangers lives within our communities.”