Villagers rally for blaze-hit family

GENEROUS residents club together to donate items to the victims of a suspected arson attack. Pippa Baker (5) is pictured (front) with her mum and organiser Dallas Baker

NEIGHBOURS have rallied for a family after a fire tore through their home in a suspected arson attac kin Springhead on New Year’s Day.

Dallas Baker (39), also of Springhead, acted quickly to put out an appeal for residents to donate their unwanted belongings.

Mrs Baker said she was determined to rebuild the life of the devastated mother and her young son, who weren’t in the Woodleigh Road house at the time.

The community flocked to St Edward’s Church hall, Spring Lane, on Friday to donate TVs, sofas, beds, board games, food and clothing.

Mother-of-two Mrs Baker said: “My husband heard about the fire and offered to help. I got straight on the phone and Facebook to get people together. People from all around are getting involved. It’s fantastic.”

Police are urging anybody with information to speak to them about the fire.

Det Sgt Richard Arthern said: “This is obviously not the start to the new year the family had in mind. Our thoughts are with them at this terrible time.”

Call police on 0161-856 9080 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


::Michael Kitson (36), of Hillside Avenue, Grotton, has been charged with burglary and arson with intent to endanger life following the blaze in Woodleigh Road, Springhead. He remains in custody