Burning issue

The narrowboats owners took this picture of their home as they fled for their lives

At around 5.30am on Saturday 6th June, at Bathampton, near Bath on the Kennet and Avon Canal, the Narrowboat Oval Racer was set alight whilst the family who lived aboard it were asleep. The owners believe that a fire was set on the front deck underneath the cratch cover, which then quickly spread to the rest of the boat.

Hearing a noise, and thinking their baby son had awoken, Chris and Nell Pierssene, who owned and lived aboard the boat, discovered the fire, and escaped through the stern doors.

The fire brigade were called, as were the police, but the boat was completely gutted by fire.

“I suspect it was arson, though in my mind I have little doubt.” Says Chris. “I'm viewing this in the context of another suspected arson attack on a boat locally 6 months back, and folks having their van tyres slashed. And the BNP getting seats the day before.”

Fortunately no one was physically hurt, but the couple's home and possessions were all destroyed. Chris and Nell Pierssene, the owners, are well known musicians, who have played all over the UK and Europe. They have lost many valuable instruments, the essential tools of their trade.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a police investigation is ongoing, but Chris says: “this unprovoked attack should be considered in the light of an increasing atmosphere of bigotry, hostility and racism directed at travellers, both in this country and in Europe.”

Suspected incidents of hatred can be reported through local police officers or by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111