‘We just want to feel safe again’

Charred markings scarring the walls within Haviland House are a lasting reminder of fires that have struck fear into residents.

“I think it’s drug users – they light fires and use drugs there,” says Abdi Omar, who decided to speak out about the recent spate of troubles in the St Jude’s tower block in the hope it will prompt more urgent action from authorities.

The police confirmed they have investigated four fires in Haviland and neighbouring Langton House since mid-November – with more suspected that have gone unreported – and say that although the blazes have been relatively small, there is concern about the potential danger posed.

The fire has caused lasting damage inside the building

Walking through the communal door, Abdi points out the flame-ravaged wall opposite the lift, opening a door into the bin storage area to show yet more charred remnants of the fires that have taken hold inside.

He says it’s clear from conversations with other residents that there has been around six fires in total in the blocks.

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“They are bad for the environment and our health and the kids,” Abdi tells Bristol24/7.

“The smoke goes throughout the whole building. Luckily the fire brigade came in time and put it out, but that’s not the issue – we need to know what they have planned to prevent it and stop this happening again. We don’t need talk, we need action.”

Bristol City Council, which owns the housing, says security patrols have been introduced in the area in response to the incidents, CCTV is operational and staff are on site daily so residents can report any issues.

“We are listening to residents’ concerns as their safety is always our top priority,” said Paul Smith, the cabinet member for housing.

“We will continue to work closely with Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Avon and Somerset Police on this matter and would encourage residents to report any concerns immediately.”

The police, fire service and council are taking a multi-agency approach to dealing with the issues. Community meetings have taken place, with more planned, but Abdi and his neighbours remain worried.

Abdi says he is worried for his family

“They say they have more security, but I have never seen anyone,” says Abdi, a taxi driver, who has lived in Haviland House for ten years.

“It’s not just us, I have heard other communities having the same issue. For me and other parents like me; we should not be worried like we are now. We should be able to earn our living and not have to worry about our kids.

“I worry about leaving my family at home if this sort of people are around all the time. They can just come in. I feel like we are living in the ghetto.

“We just want to feel safe again. I want them to do what they promise and take it seriously.”

Hassan says the smoke has affected his eye and damaged electrics inside his flat

Hassan Salaadmalin lives in Charleton House with his wife and six children. The smoke from a fire started right by his flat has caused damage to his eye and damaged the electrics inside.

“I have children and I’m worried about them, it’s not safe really,” he says.

“I saw the fire – it was scary, it makes me worried about going out and leaving my family. I couldn’t leave to go to work because of the damage to electrics.”

Hassan has lived in the block for four years and, prior to that, was at the top of the neighbouring house. He says this is the first time he’s had issues like this.

Responding to concerns, a spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said: “We have investigated four fires since the middle of November within Haviland and Langton House blocks of flats on Lamb Street in Bristol.

“Although these have been relatively small fires unusually in the refuse bin area – and there has been no injury or significant damage caused – there is some concern about the potential danger posed.

“Our inquiries into the incidents continue although no arrests have been made yet.”

A multi-agency meeting took place in December. Following this, police say a number of actions have been taken, including: briefing officers to ensure any forensics are captured, increasing visible patrols and house-to-house inquiries.

The council says security has been increased in the area

Bristol City Council says additional security has been introduced and a letter drop carried out in the area, highlighting the problems and appealing for information to be provided to the council and police.

Any rubbish and items that could be used as a source for fires have been removed.

The police spokesperson added: “We are appealing for the public to be vigilant and become our eyes and ears and report anyone acting suspiciously so that we can respond and take appropriate action.

“We do believe there may have been other incidents which have not so far been reported to us.”

Community meetings are taking place to try and address the situation