'Sabotage theory' in pigeon arson

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/lancashire/7288754.stm

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A pigeon racer who lost birds worth £10,000 in a second arson attack on his sheds in 18 months fears rivals may be trying to put him out of competition.

Geoff Williams, 70, lost 100 birds in the latest fire at his allotment in Padiham, near Burnley, Lancashire.

The pigeons, worth £100 each, were killed in what Mr Williams - who has won a series of trophies - described as a "mass of flames" on Sunday morning.

Police are investigating the incident, which is being treated as arson.

The fire broke out at the allotment at about 0300 GMT on Sunday, killing 100 of his 180 birds.

Mr Williams, who had only just fully rebuilt the sheds after a previous blaze in November 2006, said he may now give up his hobby of 50 years.

Is it because he wins a lot? We just don't know Julie Williams, daughter

His daughter, Julie Williams, 40, said: "We just hope that we can carry on.

"He doesn't know whether to, but you can't give in and let these people win."

Ms Williams said they were keeping an open mind about the culprits, but that her father's success had led them to consider all the options.

She said: "He does win a lot. At the end of the day it always makes you wonder.

"You're not pointing fingers at nobody but that's at the back of your mind.

"Is it due to the competitiveness of people? Is it because they are good birds? Is it because he wins a lot? We just don't know."

Despite the latest attack, Ms Williams said the family was determined to convince her father to carry on.

She added: "Maybe we won't have as many this time, or get all of the cabins back, but we can't let them win.

"We'll get it straight again. We've got it straight before and we'll do it again."