Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - An arsonist accidentally set his own hand on fire while torching two cars belonging to a family before fleeing the scene and later leading police on a 100mph chase.
Krzysztof Orzechowski, 32, poured a jerry can of fuel over
the vehicles parked on a driveway in Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom, in the
early hours of March 9.
CCTV footage captured Orzechowski crouching between the two
cars outside the property on Stoke Road shortly before 4am. After setting the
vehicles alight, the fire quickly took hold and the cars were completely
engulfed in flames. Orzechowski then fled the scene, frantically shaking his
right hand as it visibly caught fire.
He ran towards his own vehicle and sped away as the flames
spread to the front of the house, forcing the family inside, including children, to
evacuate. Fortunately, the family, who had been sleeping at the time, escaped
uninjured. Six days later, Orzechowski was involved in another incident when
police attempted to stop him.
Officers said he failed to stop and drove
"recklessly", overtaking other motorists as he reached speeds of up
to 100mph through country lanes. He eventually crashed after taking a corner at
high speed but remained unhurt and was quickly arrested.
The arson attack caused significant damage to the family’s
cars and property. One of the victims said the incident had had a profound
effect on the family. He said “I feel like every part of my life has been
impacted by this. This incident did not just damage property: it damaged our
sense of safety; it damaged our mental health; it changed how we live and how
we feel in our own home.
“We are frightened, unsettled and constantly on edge. It has
affected every part of my life and my family’s life, and I am not sure when or
if we will ever fully recover.” Orzechowski was charged two days after his
arrest and remanded in custody. He pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on
April 13 to one count of arson with intent to endanger life and one count of
driving a motor vehicle dangerously.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and cannabis.
Orzechowski was sentenced to five years and seven months behind bars, followed
by an extended period of three years.
The judge also disqualified him from driving for one year
following his release from prison and ordered him to pay a £228 surcharge.
Thames Valley Police said an investigation into the arson remains ongoing, with
a 32-year-old man out on police bail.
Detective Constable Chloe Winchcombe, of Berkshire East CID,
said: “Krzysztof Orzechowski is a dangerous offender and a risk to the public,
so I’m pleased he has been sentenced accordingly after this shocking behaviour.
“It is incredibly fortunate that no one was hurt after
Orzechowski set fire to two cars in the middle of the night and recklessly
drove at high speeds in a futile attempt to evade arrest. Thames Valley Police
will never tolerate such offending so we will always work tirelessly to bring
perpetrators like Orzechowski to justice and support victims.”
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