Man admits to arson spree in Gloucester

A man has admitted to starting a number of fires in Gloucester city centre earlier this year. Anthony Reed-Metcalfe has pleaded guilty to three charges of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, along with one count of burglary.

Reed-Metcalfe, from Eastern Avenue, Gloucester appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday, November 12. The 32-year-old was accused of setting three fires at properties in the city in the early hours of Sunday, September 29.

Just after 1am, police responded to a report of a building ablaze on Southgate Street. Upon arrival, officers observed smoke pouring from a first-floor window.

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While the fire service was securing the building, another fire was noticed inside a building two doors away. Both buildings were vacant shops with residential flats above them, leading to the evacuation of residents for their safety.

Shortly afterwards, several calls were made to the police reporting large bin fires at various locations around the city. The police suspected these fires were being intentionally set.

A witness spoke to officers and gave a description of a person who was seen in the area. The individual was described as being dressed in black and carrying a red and white shopping bag. Around 3am, CCTV operators identified a man fitting the description and alerted patrolling police officers in the city centre.

Reed-Metcalfe was seen in the car park of Gloucester railway station. While police were searching the area, they heard the sound of shattering glass coming from The Station Hotel. Reed-Metcalfe appeared from a broken window and was arrested on suspicion of arson.

He then confessed to the officers that he had started a fire inside the building. He stated that he had been exploring and had ignited a mattress and some paper, police have said. He added that he had left his bags in the hotel and suggested that there might be someone else still inside the building.

Firefighters managed to control the blaze, which was located on the first floor of the building. A search confirmed the presence of the bags but found no other individuals in the building.

An initial fire report confirmed that the fire at The Station Hotel was intentionally set. The first floor suffered severe damage but luckily, the structure of the building is believed to be safe.

CCTV enquiries identified a man matching Reed-Metcalfe's description carrying a white and red carrier bag walking towards and entering properties on Southgate Street just before the first fire started. The owner of one of the properties was able to identify items found in Reed-Metcalfe's bags as items stolen from him.

Detective Constable Tom Newrick, of Gloucestershire Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Department, commented: "Reed-Metcalfe acted in a dangerous and irresponsible manner, potentially putting people's lives at serious risk through his actions.

"He was apprehended thanks to diligent police work and has been left with no choice but to admit to the offences."

Reed-Metcalfe has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing. A date for his sentence hearing is due to be arranged on Monday, November 18.