Man in custody after allegedly setting house on fire

A man is in custody pending Police investigations into an Onderneeming, Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast fire that destroyed the family house he lived in with his partner and their children.

Romona Bechu, a mother of four, told the News Room that her partner reportedly set their home on fire on Wednesday night, following an argument earlier that day. Their eldest daughter, 19, has been left traumatised and is hospitalised.

“She fainted on the road and is in the hospital now, she didn’t get no burn from the fire, just traumatised,” the mother said.

According to Bechu, just half hour after she left the house, at around 20:00 hrs, she called to check on her children. However, she was told the house was on fire.

“The children said he put them out of the house and then the fire started,” Bechu said.

The woman left the house following an argument with the man; that argument escalated and involved the Police.

“Earlier in the day around like 13:30hrs, we had an argument, we had a fight which involved the Police and it continued until 19:30hrs, so he asked me to come out of the house.

“He put me out and take out my clothes and I was going to a friend to spend the night,” Bechu explained.

Bechu, who works as a cook in the interior, said the children were left with their father and so she called to check on them.

Nothing was saved from the house, which was owned by the man. The couple had lived together for 25 years and, according to Bechu, had experienced frequent arguments during that time.

Bechu said the man has since been arrested and remains in Police custody as investigations continue.

The children are currently staying with a teacher, while Bechu is staying with a friend. Anyone wishing to assist the family can contact Bechu on +592 704 8318.