A serial arsonist is believed to have been behind the terrible blaze that torched dozens of dogs and cats in a rundown shelter in Santo Tirso, Valongo, last month (click here).
The man, described as a 29-year-old electrician, will be appearing in court later today after having been caught âstarting yet another fireâ, writes Correio da ManhĂŁ.
According to other reports, he is suspected of having started as many as 30 fires this year in the Sobrado-Valongo-Baltar areas.
Norberto Martins, director of the PJ (judicial police) of the north told reporters: âWeâre convinced it was him who did itâ (he was referring to the kennel blaze specifically) âbut there are still a few more details to substantiateâ.
The suspect was arrested by the PJ two years ago, for arson – and âreferencedâ (as an arsonist) last year. Yet this doesnât appear to have stopped him going on a trail of destruction.
Says CM, he âdrove erratically, day and night in his own car on forest tracks and down one-way streets. He started fires in forest areas near homes and businesses, sometimes on the same day – leading to the need for huge reinforcement of firefightersâ.
The Santo Tirso fire developed from a fire which started in Valongo and travelled to the neighbouring borough.
It is believed the electrician started all the fires with âthe repetitive use of a cigarette lighterâ.
Update: The electrician has been remanded into preventive custody. He is facing charges of having caused as many as 30 fires.
