Krzysztof Orzechowski has been sentenced to five years and seven months in prison for intentionally setting fire to two cars outside a family home in Slough, Berkshire, in the early hours of March 9. The blaze occurred around 4 a.m. while a young family was asleep inside their residence.

CCTV footage captured the moment the cars ignited and Orzechowski fleeing the scene with his arm on fire. The family escaped the fire, but their vehicles and home sustained significant damage. The victim statement highlighted the profound impact on their sense of safety and mental health, stating, "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 purchased a jerry can from a local petrol station before carrying out the attack on Stoke Road. He then drove away from the scene, leaving the fire to engulf the property and vehicles.

Six days after the arson, Thames Valley Police attempted to stop Orzechowski, who was driving a vehicle linked to the incident. He failed to stop, leading to a car chase where he reached speeds of up to 100 mph, overtaking other vehicles recklessly. The pursuit ended when Orzechowski crashed his car, leading to his arrest.

At Reading Crown Court, Orzechowski pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life and driving a motor vehicle dangerously. In addition to his prison sentence, he was disqualified from driving for one year upon his release and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

Detective Constable Chloe Winchcombe of Thames Valley Police described Orzechowski as a dangerous offender and a risk to the public. "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," Winchcombe stated. "Thames Valley Police will never tolerate such offending so we will always work tirelessly to bring perpetrators like Orzechowski to justice and support victims."

Police continue to investigate the arson, with a separate 32-year-old man from Slough currently on bail.