Arsonist sets himself on fire while torching family’s cars

An arsonist accidentally set his own hand on fire while torching two cars belonging to a family before fleeing the scene and later leading police on a 100mph chase.

Krzysztof Orzechowski, 32, poured a jerry can of fuel over the vehicles parked on a driveway in Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom, in the early hours of March 9.

CCTV footage captured Orzechowski crouching between the two cars outside the property on Stoke Road shortly before 4am. After setting the vehicles alight, the fire quickly took hold and the cars were completely engulfed in flames. Orzechowski then fled the scene, frantically shaking his right hand as it visibly caught fire.

He ran towards his own vehicle and sped away as the flames spread to the front of the house, forcing the family inside, including children, to evacuate. Fortunately, the family, who had been sleeping at the time, escaped uninjured. Six days later, Orzechowski was involved in another incident when police attempted to stop him.

Officers said he failed to stop and drove “recklessly”, overtaking other motorists as he reached speeds of up to 100mph through country lanes. He eventually crashed after taking a corner at high speed but remained unhurt and was quickly arrested.

The arson attack caused significant damage to the family’s cars and property. One of the victims said the incident had had a profound effect on the family. He said “I feel like every part of my life has been impacted by this. This incident did not just damage property: it damaged our sense of safety; it damaged our mental health; it changed how we live and how we feel in our own home.

“We are frightened, unsettled and constantly on edge. It has affected every part of my life and my family’s life, and I am not sure when or if we will ever fully recover.” Orzechowski was charged two days after his arrest and remanded in custody. He pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on April 13 to one count of arson with intent to endanger life and one count of driving a motor vehicle dangerously.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis. Orzechowski was sentenced to five years and seven months behind bars, followed by an extended period of three years.

The judge also disqualified him from driving for one year following his release from prison and ordered him to pay a £228 surcharge. Thames Valley Police said an investigation into the arson remains ongoing, with a 32-year-old man out on police bail.

Detective Constable Chloe Winchcombe, of Berkshire East CID, said: “Krzysztof Orzechowski is a dangerous offender and a risk to the public, so I’m pleased he has been sentenced accordingly after this shocking behaviour.

“It is incredibly fortunate that no one was hurt after Orzechowski set fire to two cars in the middle of the night and recklessly drove at high speeds in a futile attempt to evade arrest. Thames Valley Police will never tolerate such offending so we will always work tirelessly to bring perpetrators like Orzechowski to justice and support victims.”