Arson Fiend Sets Fire in Warrington Sheltered Housing
Christopher Delooze, a nomad with no fixed address, sparked panic by setting his room ablaze at a sheltered accommodation in Lovely Lane, Warrington. The incident broke out around 10pm on Tuesday, 17 December, when he torched an empty TV box and then fled without warning anyone.
29 Residents Evacuated After Blaze
The building was home to 29 people at the time. Smoke alarms blared, alerting staff who found the fire and called 999. Firefighters quickly doused the flames, but Delooze’s room was left badly damaged. Residents had to be relocated for the night.
Delooze Denies Arson, Then Caught Out by CCTV
Despite threatening to burn down the building and having a previous arson conviction, Delooze initially denied starting the fire. He tried to blame a fellow resident, a 24-year-old man from Warrington. It took nine months before he finally admitted guilt.
Detective Constable Rob Thorpe said: “He deliberately set fire to his room while under the influence of alcohol and then fled without raising the alarm. There were 29 other people inside the building at the time.”
“Delooze was caught on CCTV making threats to burn the building ‘to the ground’ just before the fire. He fled the scene around the same time the blaze started.”
Seven Years Inside for Reckless Arson
Delooze pleaded guilty to arson reckless to whether life was endangered—a lesser offence accepted by prosecutors. On Thursday, 15 October, Warrington Crown Court sentenced him to seven years behind bars. He must also pay a £181 victim surcharge.
“The fire caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and forced residents to relocate, but thankfully no-one was hurt. The consequences could have been far worse,” said DC Thorpe.
“Delooze tried to dodge responsibility until the last moment, but the evidence was overwhelming.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “Fire spreads rapidly, endangering lives and property. I thank the officers who secured the evidence and brought the arsonist to justice.”
