Agency victim of arson attack
A suspected arsonist is on the run after attempting to set fire to an estate agency in Buckhurst Hill in Essex.
Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Christopher Renda (pictured), who is wanted on suspicion of an arson attack on an estate agents office in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill.
The attack on Knightons happened on October 27 when accelerant was poured through the letterbox of the agency between 7:30pm and 8:50pm and set alight.
It was only the quick-thinking and reactions of a local restaurant owner, Nicholas Hunt, that prevented the fire from spreading and consuming the whole building. Hunt was loading up his car near his restaurant when a passer-by alerted him to the fire. He grabbed a fire extinguisher from the restaurant and managed to curb the blaze in the agency.
Nick Whiddon, managing director of Knightons, arrived at the scene to find fire crews sealing off the area. He told the local newspaper: “I have never heard of this guy who the police are looking for and I have no idea why he would want to do this.”
Essex Police do not believe it was related to any sort of business dispute or issue.
They have released a description of Renda as white, medium build, blue eyes with short dark hair and clean shaven.They believe he also has links to the Isle of Dogs. They advise members of the public not to approach Renda but to contact police on 999.
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