2 weeks ago
5
RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
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Police are searching for a man accused of beating a 14-year-old girl before setting fire to her mother’s house in Siparia on Saturday night.
Investigators said around 9:45 pm, the suspect went to the home of a 29-year-old woman at Gamble Street Extension, Siparia. He allegedly beat the teenager before turning on her mother, who was also assaulted.
Both victims ran out of the house and attempted to contact police. Officers said the suspect then threatened to burn down the house, after which flames were seen inside the building.
The mother re-entered in an attempt to put out the fire, but it spread through the house. She escaped into nearby bushes and later sought treatment at the Siparia District Health Facility for burns to her left back and shoulder.
The entire house was destroyed. The value of the damage has not yet been determined. Police and fire officers extinguished the blaze, and a manhunt is underway. The mother and daughter are being kept safe by the police.
English (US) ·