An arsonist who barricaded himself into his rented Whittlesey flat before setting it alight on Christmas Day has been jailed.

Police say that Eric Jordan (55) used furniture to block an entrance to the flat before starting the fire on December 25, 2023.

Cambridgeshire police say that Jordan. who was injured when he fell from a first floor window, had also put neighbours in danger and caused £50,000 damage.

A police spokesperson said: “Police officers and firefighters were called to the Whittlesey home after fire and smoke were spotted coming from the first floor flat.

"Jordan, who was inside the flat at the time, blocked the downstairs entrance with a leather armchair before starting the fire in the stairwell.

“He suffered serious injuries after falling from the first-floor window and was later arrested on suspicion of arson after being treated by paramedics at the scene.”

Jordan, of Scaldgate, Whittlesey, was jailed for one year and four months after admitting to arson at a hearing at Huntingdon Law Courts on June 5.

Afterwards, DC Chris Herring, who investigated, said: “Not only could the consequences of Jordan’s actions have been fatal, but he also caused around £50,000 of damage to the flat he was renting at the time.

“A family of four, who were trying to enjoy their Christmas morning, also had to be evacuated from their nearby home for their own safety.

“The fire was deliberate and put himself, as well as his neighbours, in serious danger, so I am pleased he is now behind bars for the damage and distress he caused.”