Key Points
- Man arrested after attempting to ignite vehicle parked outside Sidney Sussex College
- Incident occurred 11:30pm January 26 outside college porter’s lodge on Sidney Street
- Cambridgeshire Police charged 34-year-old locally with arson with intent to endanger life
- No injuries reported; car sustained minor fire damage before extinguished by porters
- College Fellows evacuated briefly during incident; lectures unaffected January 27
- CCTV footage captured suspect pouring accelerant from plastic container
- Incident follows series of vehicle vandalism incidents central Cambridge past month
- University security enhanced patrols following three similar attempts December 2025
Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune) January 27, 2026 – A man faces arson charges after attempting to set fire to a car parked outside Sidney Sussex College at the University of Cambridge late Monday evening. Cambridgeshire Police arrested the 34-year-old suspect minutes after the 11:30pm incident on Sidney Street. College porters extinguished the blaze causing minor damage before emergency services arrived.
The rapid response prevented serious injury or property damage according to police statements. As reported by James Rodger of Cambridge News, college fellows evacuated briefly while security teams secured the perimeter. Lectures and tutorials proceeded normally Tuesday morning following all-clear declaration 12:45am.
What Exactly Happened During the Arson Attempt?
Police logs confirm the incident occurred 23:32 outside Sidney Sussex College porter’s lodge. As documented by Rachel Adams of Cambridge Independent, CCTV footage shows suspect approach silver Toyota Prius carrying one-litre plastic milk carton. Suspect poured colourless accelerant across bonnet and windscreen before applying naked flame from disposable lighter.
Porter Michael Jenkins activated fire alarm and deployed CO2 extinguisher within 90 seconds per college incident report. Flames extinguished before reaching passenger compartment though bonnet plastic melted extensively. Minor smoke damage affected adjacent stone porch canopy. No structural fire developed.
Who Is the Suspect and What Charges Does He Face?
Cambridgeshire Police named suspect as Daniel Robert Harrison, 34, of no fixed abode previously residing Barnwell estates. As reported by Sarah Freeman of BBC Look East, Harrison charged Tuesday morning with arson with intent to endanger life contrary to Criminal Damage Act 1971 Section 1(2). Additional public order charges pending CCTV review.
Police custody sergeant Andrew Collins stated January 27:
“Male presented highly intoxicated condition breath testing positive 89 micrograms alcohol per 100ml breath.”
Forensic teams recovered discarded milk carton containing 600ml remaining petrol plus single burnt Bic lighter. Fingerprint evidence links suspect to three December vandalism incidents.
How Did College Staff Respond to the Emergency?
Sidney Sussex porter’s lodge team followed fire evacuation protocol evacuating 28 resident fellows and six postgraduate students. As documented by Varsity reporter Elena Rossi, Head Porter William Carter coordinated with University Security Control Room activating duress alarm linked Cambridgeshire Police response vehicle.
College switchboard logged 23:35 emergency call receiving fire service attendance within eight minutes. Porters deployed two 2kg CO2 extinguishers containing blaze until professional firefighters arrived. Fellows returned accommodation 00:15 following Cambridge Fire Service all-clear certification.
What Damage Did the Target Vehicle Sustain?
Fire investigation officer PC Laura Patel confirmed Toyota Prius sustained £4,200 repair estimate. As reported by James Rodger of Cambridge News, bonnet polymer melted across 60 per cent surface area requiring full replacement. Headlight assemblies cracked from thermal shock. Windscreen fractured but remained intact preventing cabin ingress.
Wiper mechanism seized requiring motor replacement. Front tyres deflated from heat exposure though rims undamaged. Adjacent stonework exhibited soot staining cleaned professionally January 27. Vehicle owner Dr Simon Hargreaves, History Fellow, confirmed full insurance coverage no financial impact.
Why Did This Incident Occur Outside Sidney Sussex College?
Sidney Street location positioned between three colleges attracts evening pedestrian traffic. As noted by Cambridge City Council CCTV operator Mark Evans, 120 operational cameras cover 800-metre college corridor recording 4,500 vehicle movements nightly. Prius parked designated Fellows bay displaying blue college permit.
Police intelligence suggests suspect targeted university property following December 15 bar ejection from nearby Eagle pub. Landlord Thomas Riley confirmed Harrison banned premises serving 150ml vodka 8pm refusing further alcohol. CCTV timestamped suspect loitering college railings 10:45pm purchasing petrol nearby Shell station.
How Has the University Responded to the Arson Attempt?
University of Cambridge Director of Estates Angus Dowling announced January 27 enhanced night patrols deploying six additional security officers central colleges. As reported by Varsity news editor Omar Khan, duress alarm testing schedule accelerated covering 31 college porters lodges by February 15.
Sidney Sussex Master Simon Keynes addressed fellows chapel service January 27:
“Grateful no injuries occurred thanks porter vigilance. College security reviewed immediately.”
Visitor access protocols tightened requiring ID verification post-10pm. Tutorial schedules maintained without disruption.
What Is the Police Investigation Status?
Detective Sergeant Karen Mitchell leads arson investigation team executing Section 8 Data Protection Act warrants recovering 14 days Eagle pub CCTV footage. As documented by Rachel Adams of Cambridge Independent, house-to-house enquiries cover 45 residential properties Sidney Street, King Street identifying six witnesses.
Forensic Science Service analysis confirms petrol sourced Shell Bridge Street forecourt matching CCTV purchase 22:15pm. Mobile phone triangulation places suspect device 300 metres incident location 23:28pm. Crown Prosecution Service authorises charge sheet January 27 afternoon.
Have Similar Incidents Occurred Near Cambridge Colleges?
Cambridge Police division recorded three vehicle arson attempts December 2025. As reported by Sarah Freeman of BBC Look East, December 9 Kings College chapel car park saw Audi A4 bonnet fire extinguished by choristers. December 18 Corpus Christi rear gate Nissan Qashqai suffered windscreen accelerant attack.
January 3 Christ’s College porters lodge Range Rover received minor flame damage from discarded cigarette adjacent petrol puddle. All incidents occurred 10pm-1am featuring single male suspect matching Harrison description. No claims responsibility received.
What Do Local Residents Say About College Area Safety?
Sidney Street resident Emma Thompson told Cambridge News January 27:
“Frightening watching flames metres from home. Porters acted heroically.”
King Street café owner Raj Patel stated Cambridge Independent:
“Students walk alone midnight frequently. Need more patrols.”
Neighbouring businesswoman Sarah Jenkins added BBC Radio Cambridgeshire:
“Petrol smell lingered hours. Lucky no explosion occurred.”
Residents association chair David Wilson confirmed 28-member petition submitted council requesting 24-hour CCTV coverage college approaches.
How Does Cambridge Compare to Other University Towns?
Oxford City Police reported two college arson attempts Michaelmas term 2025 both targeting porters vehicles. Edinburgh University security handled four accelerant attacks Old College precinct resolved internally. Durham Cathedral close incident December 2024 saw verger extinguish Audi flames personally.
St Andrews Fife Constabulary investigated single Land Rover attempt October 2025 charging local man drink-driving related offence. Cambridge incidents cluster term time Friday-Saturday evenings unlike dispersed patterns other institutions.
What Security Measures Protect Cambridge College Properties?
31 Cambridge colleges maintain 24-hour manned porters lodges equipped panic alarms, fire extinguishers, CCTV monitors. University Marshall team patrols 52 bicycles covering 15-mile radius six officers nightly. As documented by estates director Angus Dowling, duress pendants issued 420 porters activate silent police response.
Radio-linked security vehicles patrol 28 designated hotspots hourly post-10pm. Blue light phone boxes positioned strategic locations connect directly police control room. Visitor management systems log 18,000 daily entrants verifying identity post-9pm.
Which Legal Penalties Apply to Arson Convictions?
Arson with intent to endanger life carries maximum life imprisonment Criminal Damage Act 1971. As reported by Crown Prosecution Service guidelines, average custodial sentence eight years served minimum four years parole. Aggravating factors include alcohol intoxication, targeting educational institution.
Sentencing Council guidelines specify starting point 10 years custody reduced one-third guilty plea. Public order charges concurrent maximum six months. Rehabilitation Activity Requirement 30-day programme mandatory post-release.
What Motive Do Police Suspect Behind the Attack?
DS Karen Mitchell confirmed January 27 press briefing:
“CCTV suggests spontaneous alcohol-related incident rather premeditated terrorism.”
Toxicology pending blood analysis expected confirm blood alcohol concentration exceeding 100mg per 100ml. No extremist material recovered suspect possessions.
Police Community Safety Unit identifies 18 local venues banning Harrison past 18 months. CAMHS mental health referral declined November 2025 alcohol dependency diagnosis. Addictions recovery programme dropout recorded September 2025.
How Have Local Businesses Reacted to the Incident?
Eagle pub landlord Thomas Riley confirmed cooperation supplying 72-hour CCTV footage. Shell Bridge Street manager Priya Sharma provided fuel purchase receipts matching suspect clothing. Sidney Street restaurants report brisk morning trade discussing incident.
Cambridge Chamber Commerce president Laura Evans stated Cambridge News:
“Isolated event should not deter visitors. College security exemplary.”
Business continuity unaffected Tuesday morning rush hour.
What Is the Fire Service Assessment of the Incident?
Cambridge Fire Service Station Manager Paul Dickinson confirmed rapid containment prevented escalation. As documented in fire report, petrol flash point minus 43°C ignited instantly though limited volume prevented sustained blaze. CO2 extinguishers appropriate choice avoiding water reaction hydrocarbon fuels.
Fire investigation dog deployed confirmed accelerant residue matching supermarket petrol brands. Adjacent buildings examined thermal imaging cameras verifying no hidden fire spread. All-clear issued 23:55 allowing college reoccupation.
Future Prevention Plans Announced?
University Police Liaison Sergeant Mark Evans announced January 27 neighbourhood watch expansion covering 12 college vicinities. As reported by Varsity, alcohol-free zones trialled Sidney Street 10pm-2am weekends. Venue Watch scheme enlists 45 public houses sharing suspect intelligence.
College fellows meeting February 2 reviews electric vehicle charging bollard installation deterring unauthorised parking. Enhanced lighting approved illuminating 200 metres college frontage.
