Councillors’ home hit by “devastating” arson attack in Buckley
A deliberate fire in Buckley has caused significant damage to the home of local councillors Carol and Dave Ellis in what has been described as a “devastating” arson attack.
The incident occurred in the Linderick Avenue/Selsdon Close area during the early hours of Sunday.
A hedge at the bottom of the councillors’ garden was set alight, with the flames spreading to their conservatory and a neighbouring property, where it caused damage to a garage and a car.
Chris Ellis, the couple’s son, expressed his heartbreak over the incident.
“It’s absolutely devastating. My mum and dad have put their life and soul into helping and supporting the Buckley community, and to have this done to them is so sad,” he said.
Chris revealed that his mother had recently returned home from hospital following a two-week stay.
“It’s absolutely awful. I just hope the police can find who’s responsible for this,” he added.
Chris has urged residents to review any CCTV footage from between 11.30pm on Saturday and 1.30am on Sunday to assist the investigation.
In an appeal posted on social media, Chris said: “There were at least two people involved in starting the fire, and there is new footage of someone on a scooter.”
“There has been CCTV recovered of them starting the fire. We really need more.”
“There will be a significant reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Any information is welcome.”
“Please, anyone with information which could help the police, contact them using reference Q191719.”
He also stressed the need to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area, warning, “Next time something like this happens, it could be someone’s life lost.”
The family expressed their gratitude to the fire service and local community.
“A massive thank you to my partner Bev, all our friends and family who helped with the clean-up, and the fire service for their professionalism,” Chris said.
Cllr Dave Ellis described the emotional toll of the incident. “Carol and I are both devastated. It’s really upsetting. It’s a hammer blow to get, especially at Christmas,” he said.
He thanked the fire service and local residents for their support.
“We’re so thankful for the brilliance of the fire service, and all the people who have been sending us messages and calling round to see if we’re ok. That’s what the Buckley community is about,” he added.
Two women who knocked on the couple’s window to alert them to the fire were also praised.
“Carol and I are so grateful,” he said.
The councillor acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
“The fact it’s an arson attack is a worry. It could have led to a fatality. There’s a police investigation ongoing, and we just have to hope those responsible are found,” he added.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was started deliberately.
Firefighters attended the scene, using hose reel jets, breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the blaze by 2am.
The investigation into the arson attack is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police, referencing case number Q191719.
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