“This was a reckless and vindictive act that endangered the lives of everyone in the building,” said detective constable
Police have told how “courageous neighbours” in Tunbridge Wells “risked their lives” trying to save a resident from a fire in his flat – only to discover later he had started the blaze himself, before locking his room and leaving the building.
Ryan James started two fires in his flat on Dudley Road in the town centre, one in the bedroom and one in the living room. The 41-year-old then locked the front door behind him and walked away from the building.
The fire alarms were set off which alerted the other residents in the building and the emergency services were called. Two neighbours of James tried to get into his locked flat, believing he was still inside.
But due to the danger, they were forced to evacuate, and crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service were then able get inside the flat and put out the fire.
Detective constable Celia King said: “This was a reckless and vindictive act that endangered the lives of everyone in the building.”
“James selfishly locked the door behind him, making it harder to stop the fire and causing further damage. His courageous neighbours risked their own lives to save him, thinking he may have been trapped inside.”
“Thankfully, there were no injuries and I’m glad to see that James will suffer the consequences of his actions,” she said.
James had started the fire at around 11.30am on August 24, 2024. An investigation found James had visited his gym an hour before, where he stored his belongings in one of the lockers. When officers arrested him two days later, he had the front door keys on him.
James was charged, and later pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
On December 19 this year, he was given an extended prison sentence with a custodial element of six years and three months. He will then have to serve a further three years on licence when he becomes eligible for parole.
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