Jail for trio who set fire to estate agency branch with flat above

Three men who set fire to an estate agency branch in Luton while residents of upstairs flat were home have been jailed.

Glen Ratcliffe, 36, Darren Smith, 42, and Paul Mitchell, 52, started multiple fires around the building’s front and rear on August 14, 2022.

CCTV captured Ratcliffe and Smith smash through the front window of the property and place something on the floor, before a fire began inside.

Mitchell was also caught on CCTV purchasing petrol in a jerry can from a local petrol station prior to the incident. A similar jerry can was discovered at the scene.

Additional footage showed all three individuals together earlier that night.

Four occupants of the flat above the estates agents managed to escape upon realising the building was on fire. A woman was taken to hospital but later released with no serious injuries.

The trio have been sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

Both Ratcliffe and Smith were sentenced to four years in prison.

Mitchell, who was found guilty of the same offence following a trial at Luton Crown Court in February, and was sentenced to five years.

Detective Constable Ciaran O’Brien from Bedfordshire Police’s Criminal Investigation Department says: “This was a deliberate and dangerous act that put lives at risk, and such behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents in Bedfordshire, and shall spare no effort in our pursuit of individuals who post a threat to our communities.”