A BONHILL woman saved from her burning home following an alleged deliberate blaze last week continues to fight for her life in hospital.

Neighbours heard 44-year-old Susan Waring’s screams for help as her fire ripped through her property in Redburn.

Emergency services were called to the property at around 12.30am last Tuesday evening, finding neighbours already trying to help Susan escape from the flames while trapped in a first-floor bedroom.

Firefighters eventually managed to fight their way through the flames to rescue Susan and she was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, where she remains over a week since the incident took place.

One woman who lives near the property told the Reporter: “I got woken up at about 12.30am last night with the sound of people shouting and windows smashing.

“I just thought at first it was someone smashing the window, but then I saw the smoke coming from the house.

“There were no fire engines or anything like that at that point, it was just neighbours trying to get in to get her out and shouting at her to try and jump out of the window.”

Police stressed they do not believe that incident is connected to a spate of recent fireraisings across Alexandria targeting buildings, cars and even primary schools.

Detective Inspector Andy Doherty, from Clydebank CID, added: “We are aware of a number of recent wilful fireraisings in the area however at this time we do not believe this fire is linked to these other incidents.”

Local representatives have expressed their concerns over the incident and have called for reassurance for local residents concerned by the outbreak of fires.

His fellow Leven councillor, John Millar, added: “I am horrified whenever I hear about fire incidents and the devastating impact they can have on residents and property. The recent fire in Redburn will be a great concern to local people and although we don’t know the cause, it won’t stop neighbours from worrying.

“I would want the emergency services and the council to reassure local families that they will be doing everything possible to keep our community safe.”

Councillor Ian Dickson said: “Instances of fireraising have remained a persistent and very significant issue across West Dunbartonshire, particularly in the Alexandria area this summer.

“As a council we continue to work with Police Scotland, Fire and Rescue Services and other partners to address the problem from all angles, and would urge anyone with information to contact the police or to share information anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

UPDATE: POLICE arrested a 27 year-old man in connection with an alleged incident at the property in Redburn, Bonhill.
The alleged incident took place on Tuesday, July 25.
A police statement said that a 27-year-old man had been arrested and detained in police custody.
A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.