Freed arsonist goes missing

David Blagdon was recently released

A man released after serving 24 years for setting fire to church curtains, has gone missing from a police hostel.

David Blagdon, 51, from Oxfordshire was released two months ago on licence following a long running campaign.

He was moved to supported accommodation in Oxford where he was expected to report daily to probation officers.

On Friday 11October he went missing - a week before the home office decided to lift all of his remaining conditions.

The police say they do not believe he is a danger to the public, but add that they are keen to find him.

Mr Blagdon, originally from Wantage, was jailed in 1978 for setting fire to curtains at the parish church in South Hinksey.

The fire caused some damage, but no one was hurt.