A family in Wortley, Leeds, has been forced to abandon their home after experiencing a prolonged period of alleged abuse from neighbors, which culminated in two suspected arson attacks. Jamie Stephenson, 28, his ex-partner Rebecah Credland, 25, and their three young children are now staying with relatives in overcrowded conditions.
The incidents began approximately eight months after the family moved into the two-bedroom terraced house in 2023. According to Ms. Credland, the conflict started with a noise complaint from a neighboring couple regarding Mr. Stephenson playing video games. This escalated into what Ms. Credland described as a "massive hate campaign" after the family also complained about noise.
During this period, the family alleges their Wi-Fi wire was cut, rubbish was dumped in their garden, and WD40 was sprayed onto Mr. Stephenson's car window. When these incidents were reported to West Yorkshire Police, they were reportedly told the force lacked the funds to investigate. Ms. Credland stated that the police informed them they did not have enough evidence to take action against any suspects.
The situation intensified when their son drew chalk marks on a fence. Ms. Credland recounted an incident where a neighbor allegedly verbally abused her, calling her and her children names and threatening repercussions if the police were involved. The family reported this to the police, but were allegedly told it was a civil matter.
Shortly after, in July, their Audi A3 was targeted in a suspected arson attack. Police believe someone poured petrol through a window and set the car alight. The vehicle, which contained a car seat for their children, was gutted. Mr. Stephenson had acquired the car just months prior through a salary sacrifice scheme. The family claims it took police 36 hours to take a statement after the incident, and no suspect was identified.
This was followed by another fire this week, started near the side of their house, below a bedroom occupied by their five-month-old daughter, two-year-old son, and five-year-old daughter. West Yorkshire Police stated this fire is believed to be unconnected to the car blaze and may have been started by youths involved in similar incidents in the area.
Despite the escalating risks, the family was unable to secure a move through their housing association. They have been forced to split their time between overcrowded parental homes, at one point sleeping in a tent in Ms. Credland's mother's garden. A GoFundMe appeal has been started by Mr. Stephenson's mother to raise funds for the family.
Leeds City Council stated that housing officers are in communication with Ms. Credland and are working on an updated assessment to secure alternative accommodation. West Yorkshire Police issued a statement expressing regret for the impact of the events and confirmed they investigated the reports of public order offenses, criminal damage, and arson, but were unable to identify a suspect for the car fire. They also confirmed the investigation into the grass fire on August 15, noting it was part of a series of similar incidents in the area and not believed to be connected to the family's property.