Fire victim returns home to find property stolen

Lisa Bones has been living in temporary accommodation since a fire made her home uninhabitable

A woman who was evacuated from her home after a fire said she returned to find valued possessions missing.

Residents of 38 flats at Conqueror House in Dover, Kent, have been placed in temporary accommodation following the blaze in an external bin on 20 April.

When Lisa Bones was allowed to collect belongings she discovered a bracelet, her passport and birth certificate had gone, describing it as if she had "lost her identity".

Her housing association Town & Country Housing (TCH) said it was aware there had been break-ins and was working with the police.

The stolen bracelet was a Mother's Day gift from Ms Bones' son

Ms Bones said: "I'm devastated and upset that I've lost my home and my property."

She and her partner, Lee Fletcher, also said they have struggled to furnish their temporary home as it was without basic items such as crockery and linen.

Mr Fletcher has a hip replacement and bad back but their medical mattress was destroyed and they are not allowed to furnish their temporary home with a replacement, said Ms Bones.

"They're expecting us to sleep in single beds which are for children," she added. "I don't think Lee will last another two weeks in them."

TCH said: "Nine Conqueror House residents have moved into properties at Coombe House.

"These are furnished, including bedding, but residents can use their own bedding or move furniture to suit their needs.

"We met with Ms Bones before and after she moved in and explained this to her, and we're sorry if there has been any confusion. We will contact her again to clarify this."

Kent County Councillor James DeFriend outside Conqueror House in Dover

Kent County Councillor James Defriend said he was impressed by how the community "pulled together to donate furniture, clothing, and essential items like shampoo".

TCH said electricity has been reconnected and repairs would soon start, with residents of the least damaged flats returning in two months.

The spokesperson added: "It's upsetting to hear that items have gone missing from Ms Bones' home.

"We have had 24/7 security at the building since the fire and installed extra CCTV."

Kent Police said it was investigating a report of the theft of Ms Bones' property.