Woman arrested for setting fire to house in Benalmadena

A WOMAN, 47, was arrested accused of setting fire to the home of a man she was living with in Benalmadena.

The fire gutted the inside of the house, located at Calle Cornisa, and according to firemen, there was evidence that it was started intentionally. 

Neighbours called the emergency services at just after 8.30pm on Monday after seeing the flames and smoke.

No-one was injured. The woman allegedly set fires to several locations within the house and then hid in the back garden to watch the fire.

She had been living with the owner, who was not at home at the time, for several years, as he gave her a place to stay in exchange for her looking after the house.

Local press reports suggested she may have been an alcoholic.

The homeowner is currently staying with friends and has made a formal complaint against the woman who he had tried to help and who now, he says, has “ruined my life”.

Photo credit: James Yeadon