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Islington Tribune - by JOE HARMAN
Published: 17 October 2008

Fire damage at the flats

‘We’re not safe in our homes’ warning after garages blaze

Neighbours fear return of vandals who play cat-and-mouse with police

NEIGHBOURS fear another arson attack after teenage vandals started a blaze in their Barnsbury block.
Residents were told by firefighters who tackled the fire in Rufford Street that had they arrived 10 minutes later they may have had difficulty rescuing the families still inside the building.
The blaze on Saturday was started by vandals, who set fire to four bins in a garage area separating two blocks of flats.
Two residents heard voices saying “we need more petrol” just before fire engulfed the garage area.
Alfred Botundu, who lives in the flats, said: “I was watching TV and smelt something burning. I looked outside my children’s bedroom and saw a small fire. By the time I got outside it was huge and going up both sides of the building.”
Resident Gavin Dudley said: “My wife was minutes from being killed and if my daughter had been there I could have lost her as well.”
Many residents have complained of coughing fits and stomach complaints as a result of fumes from the blaze.
Neighbour Tanya Brown said: “We have a good community here as most of us moved in at the same time when the flats were built three years ago. But now I’m sleeping with one eye open. I don’t want to stay here any more. We’re not safe in our own homes.”
Khadika Apatiyow, who lives on the ground floor of the block, took her five children and husband to be treated for smoke inhalation at University College Hospital in Euston Road.
Like many residents, she fears another attack by vandals. “We have a dustbin outside the bedroom where three of my children sleep,” she said. “I am afraid they will set fire to that bin as well.”
Housing association Circle 33 has been criticised for failing to carry out repairs that would prevent vandals getting into garages.
Residents have seen teenagers making a petrol bomb out of a football and youths have started a fire on the football pitch in front of the flats. Resident Nathan Taylor said: “I tried to put it out but it was started from the plastic on a stolen scooter. My feet were on fire and I got bits stuck to my shoe. The group of more than 20 ‘hoodies’ aged about 16 just laughed at me.”
He added: “There is a real cat-and-mouse going on with police. They hear the police sirens and then run off. It’s the same people, the same place and the same thing each time. The police could do some more planning.”
A Circle 33 spokesman said: “There have been ongoing issues with the electronic gate-entry system to the car park”. Contractor Entervision was due to carry out maintenance work this week.

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