Chris Packham’s Home Targeted in Dead of Night Arson Attack
Wildlife TV star Chris Packham, 60, faced a terrifying ordeal when his home was targeted by vandals in the early hours of Friday, October 8. Alone with his poodles, Chris was jolted awake at 12:30am by a loud explosion. Rushing to investigate, he found his garden’s electric gates engulfed in flames.
Thugs Set Packham’s Property on Fire
Two masked men drove up to Chris’s house in a Land Rover, jumped out, and deliberately set fire to the gates. The blaze caused extensive damage, leaving thousands of pounds in repair costs. Thankfully, a neighbour called 999 immediately, bringing firefighters from Hythe and Beaulieu stations who swiftly extinguished the fire.
Chris praised the rapid response from Hampshire Fire and Police services for preventing the situation from worsening.
Hate Crime Suspected Over Wildlife Activist Attacked
The nature of the attack has left Chris questioning its motive. He wonders if it’s linked to his outspoken wildlife rights campaigns, which have attracted relentless online abuse and real-world intimidation.
Back in 2019, Chris regularly found dead birds, foxes, and badgers dumped near his home—a chilling harassment campaign that only recently continued. Just last week, he discovered a dead badger thrown in front of his house. So routine has this abuse become that Chris didn’t even tell his partner Charlotte or stepdaughter Megan.
“It’s not normal to come home and find dead animals dumped outside your house,” Chris said. “This has to stop.”
Police Launch Arson Investigation
Hampshire Police have opened an arson investigation into the attack. Officers urge anyone with information to come forward and assist the inquiry.
Anyone with details can call 101 quoting crime reference 44210403698.
