A PENSIONER'S family today warned an arsonist who tried to torch her Ipswich home could strike again if he is not caught.The attack on the 68-year-old's flat has left relatives and police asking what sort of person deliberately tries to set light to an OAP's homeThe pensioner, who is still distressed after her ordeal, escaped unhurt from her Frobisher Road flat as smoke filtered in.

A PENSIONER'S family today warned an arsonist who tried to torch her Ipswich home could strike again if he is not caught.

The attack on the 68-year-old's flat has left relatives and police asking what sort of person deliberately tries to set light to an OAP's home

The pensioner, who is still distressed after her ordeal, escaped unhurt from her Frobisher Road flat as smoke filtered in.

But, had a neighbour not alerted the woman to two wheelie bins which had been lit and placed by her kitchen and front door, it is feared the incident could have been far more serious.

A relative of the pensioner warned: "This time it was a member of our family but next time it could be someone else's.

"The whole thing has left her extremely shaken and concerned for the future.

We would urge anyone with information about the culprit to come forward."

The relative also expressed gratitude to the man who alerted the elderly lady to the fire.

"We would like to thank the neighbour who raised the alarm. If it was not for him and his prompt action it could have been much more serious."

The targeting of a pensioner living alone on the Greenwich estate has also been condemned by one of Ipswich's senior police officers today.

Inspector Dave Dring, who is responsible for policing east Ipswich, said: "What kind of society are we becoming when someone deliberately sets alight an elderly lady's home and puts her life in danger.

"Law abiding members of this community have had to put up with this behaviour long enough. It is our intention to target and root out the small minority of people who are causing havoc in this community. We will be working in conjunction with the courts to ensure they are given the strongest possible penalties."

Insp Dring called for residents to help police in their bid to rid the area of the menace it faces from the yobs making people's lives a misery.

He said: "We need the full support of the community to stamp this sort of thing out. We can not do this alone.

"Somebody, somewhere knows who did this and I would appeal for them to get in contact with us."

Officers investigating the arson attack, which occurred around 10.35pm last Wednesday, were given a description of a youth seen running away.

They believe it was a white male, who was wearing a baseball cap.

If you can help police trace the arsonist telephone detective constable John Grant on 01473 613500. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers in confidence on freephone 0800 555111.