Serial arsonist who torched five vehicles is jailed

A serial arsonist who endangered people's lives when he torched five vehicles has been jailed.

A number of vehicles were set alight in the Gainsborough area of Ipswich in September, including at a school and a sports centre.

Simon Loveridge, 32, of Frampton Road in Gainsborough, previously pleaded guilty to five counts of arson, including two with intent to endanger life.

At Ipswich Crown Court, he was sentenced to six years in prison.

Suffolk Police was called by the fire service to reports a number of vehicles had been torched at about 22:50 BST on 25 September.

The vehicles involved included two cars at Piper's Vale Academy in Raeburn Road and one car near the junction of Landseer Road and Clapgate Lane.

A transit van on Landseer Road and a minibus parked at Gainsborough Sports Centre were also destroyed.

Loveridge was charged three days later.

Two 16-year-olds were also arrested on suspicion of causing arson with intent to endanger life, but were released under investigation.

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