The police has arrested two youths in connection with a case of arson in which a 14-month-old child was sent to hospital for smoke inhalation. The incident happened on 1 May at a rental flat in Block 59 Lengkok Bahru.
The victims of the arson, Mr Chen and his family of three, had only moved into the flat 2 weeks prior. When the family went to bed at about 1am on 1 May, they did not notice anything unusual, but 45 minutes later, the main door to their flat was set on fire.
Mr Chen with the help of his neighbours put the fire out. The gate and door were burnt black, and slippers left outside were melted, recounted Mr Chen of the attack. The police were called to the scene.
The word ‘Andy’ was scribbled four-times on the wall outside the flat. Mr Chen believes that it is the name of the former occupant of the rental flat.
Mr Chen said he was spooked by the incident and feared that they may strike again. He fears for the safety of his wife who is often alone with his son at home.
His spouse is a housewife and often stays at home with his young son, and he is worried for their safety.
The two arrested on 4 May are Sea Jiasheng, 16 and and Chong Sheng Wei, 18. The two are suspected of setting fire to two other flats in Sembawang Drive and Hougang St 51 besides Mr Chen’s. The youths were charged under the Moneylenders Act on May 6.
