Four residents of Glasgow Housing Scheme, in East Bank Berbice, lost their home yesterday morning in a fire, which is suspected to be the result of arson.
Police have so far arrested an occupant of the lower flat of the two-storey concrete and wood house, who is believed to have started the fire.
Eze Benjamin, 64, and his wife resided in the upper flat of the house, while her son and his niece lived in the lower flat.
The niece, Akeila Alexander, 17, and her uncle, who is the suspect, were home alone when the fire began around 10 am. The teen has reportedly claimed that she discovered flames emanating from the lower flat of the house, where her uncle was at the time.
She then fled through their veranda and alerted their neighbours, who then phoned the fire service. However, when firefighters arrived at the scene, the entire building was already engulfed by flames and they were unable to save anything.
A neighbour told this publication that the suspect was seen rushing out of the yard after he allegedly started the fire. However, police subsequently placed him under arrest.
One of Benjamin’s granddaughters told this newspapers that the suspect suffers from mental illness. She said the family was grateful that no one was hurt but was saddened that her grandfather lost all of his belongings in the fire.
Both the police and fire service have since launched investigations.
