Arson suspected as Linden home of Dunstan Barrow destroyed

A fire, believed to be arson, on Friday night destroyed the home of former PNC parliamentarian Dunstan Barrow in Linden.

The blaze which occurred around 9.30 pm in Richmond Hill quickly engulfed Barrow’s two-storey home and a man was seen fleeing the scene.

However, no one was hurt since Barrow and his family reside mainly in Georgetown. The house was unoccupied and had no electricity.

Fire fighters trying to put out the fire on Friday night. (Photo courtesy of Manuel Barnwell)
Fire fighters trying to put out the fire on Friday night. (Photo courtesy of Manuel Barnwell)

An eyewitness told Stabroek News that she was the first person to see when the fire started. She said she saw the flames in the top storey of the house and quickly alerted the fire station. She said two fire engines arrived at the scene but eventually one ran out of water.

Another eyewitness said he saw a man running away from the scene when fire started to consume the house and he chased after him. But the man escaped.

When contacted, Barrow and his family refused to comment on the issue, stating that they were trying to come to grips with the situation.