“It’s lucky there was no fatalities” says leading Northumbria Police detective on Newcastle barber shop arson

Newcastle: A terrifying incident unfolded at a barber shop when a man named Dilovan Sindi walked in with a can of petrol and a lighter. He spread the fuel around and ignited it, causing chaos and serious injuries.

Witnesses were horrified as they saw a man on fire running into the street. Sindi and another man suffered life-changing injuries from the flames. He was sentenced to over seven years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including arson.

Detective Inspector Rona Malessa, who led the investigation, expressed her relief that no one was killed. She noted how unusual it was for such a serious incident to happen in a quiet area on a Wednesday morning.

The fire broke out around 10 am on May 23, 2023, at Amed’s Hair Design in Westerhope. Emergency services responded quickly, treating the injured and managing the chaotic scene.

Initially, it was unclear what had happened, with reports of an explosion and fire flooding in. When officers arrived, they found Sindi and another victim with severe burns, both needing urgent medical attention.

Det Insp Malessa praised the emergency workers for their quick response, which helped save lives. They worked hard to ensure everyone received the care they needed, even as they pieced together the events of the day.

CCTV footage later revealed Sindi entering the shop and pouring petrol before igniting it. He had a dispute with the shop owner, which led to this reckless act.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Sindi remained in the hospital for a long time, delaying the investigation. He was eventually charged with attempted murder and arson.

Det Insp Malessa highlighted the importance of the care provided by the North East’s burns unit, which helped both the victim and Sindi survive. The victim continues to receive treatment for his serious burns, which have drastically changed his life.

While Sindi didn’t intend to harm the public, his actions posed a significant risk. The detective emphasized the volatility of the fuel he used and the potential for a much worse outcome.

She also paid tribute to the victims, hoping they find some closure now that justice has been served. The police are committed to prosecuting violent offenders to keep the community safe.