Mum's praise for Doncaster detectives after dramatic house blaze

Detectives from Doncaster have been praised by the parent of a young girl after witnessing a house fire.

Last month, on 27 September a fire occurred on Fernbank Drive in Armthorpe.

Local residents witnessed the response by emergency services attending.

Following the fire, one local family wrote in to South Yorkshire Police to praise two detectives who stopped to talk to her children while carrying out their enquiries the following morning.

The woman said: “This was quite traumatic for my children, and my youngest daughter was extremely upset from seeing this evolve.

“She had lots of questions and expressed many fears for what might have happened.

“The following morning, I had the pleasure of meeting two detectives who are based within CID; DCs Liam Ryan and Daniel Wilson.

“Whilst I was loading everything into the car to head out for the day, they approached us and spoke to my daughter.

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“They wished us good morning, and we had a general conversation about what had happened and what we had planned for the day. They were really approachable and professional.

“They then arranged for my daughter to sit in the fire engine which she was thrilled to be able to do. On leaving, my daughter said it was the best day.

“I wanted to mention this and pass on my thanks to the officers as although this may seem like a small gesture to them, they have turned a really negative and traumatic experience, into a positive one. I know that when my daughter reflects on this event, she will look back at the positives.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We are always thankful when people take the time to write in and say thank you.”

* Matthew Foster, aged 41, of Fernbank Drive, has been charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and appeared at Doncaster Magistrates Court following the blaze.