Two major fires of 'arson' on cottage at Mawgan in Cornwall

Richenda Gillespie is currently in Switzerland while she has her “beloved” cottage in Lower Lane, Mawgan restored for her and her two daughters to return to live in.

But she says that on Saturday night somebody "deliberately set fire" to the oil tank, completely destroying the tank, her boiler and optic cables and BT cables to the house, leaving it without power, heating or internet.

The first fire caused significant damage to the house (Image: Richenda Gillespie)

The fire not only caused damage to the tank and boiler but also to the new roof and boards.

Then, on Tuesday night, she said someone again tried to set fire to the hessian at the front of the house, causing even more damage to the front of the property and the porch.

She told the Packet if dog walkers in the lane running alongside her house hadn’t spotted the fires on both occasions the damage could have been much worse.

Posting on Facebook she said her and her daughters were terrified and at their wits' end, and appealed for any information on who might have done it.

The second fire caused damage to the front of the house (Image: Richenda Gillespie)

Speaking to the Packet from Switzerland, she said they were still in shock and reeling from what had happened.

Richenda said they were now scared about returning to their home they had previously lived in for eight years, before moving to Switzerland to care for her sick mother.

She added that she couldn't understand why anyone would want to do that to them as they had been part of the community before moving away, and were planning to return this summer.

“I can’t think why anyone would target us this way,” she said. “We were on good terms with everybody and with the neighbours.”

She said when she contacted the police she was told there was nothing they could do about it as there was no CCTV and no witnesses.

She said she was trying to get the power back and was going the get CCTV and motion sensors installed but that it all took time. “Who says it won’t happen again, though,” she said.

She added: “I am on my own with two little girls aged 11 and 12 who want a safe home and not be afraid of moving back and being there by myself, and what if they try it again? It’s hard to know what to do. It’s pretty scary.”

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told the Packet: "Police were called following two fires at a property in Mawgan near Helston on Saturday 3 August and Wednesday 7 August.

"On both occasions an oil tank was set alight, causing substantial damage to the property. A boiler was also damaged during one of the incidents.

"It is believed that at least one of the fires may have been started deliberately.

"Anybody with information is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting 50240197724."