article_snippet: so neighbours would not realise anyone was at home.
article_snippet: Cord had been tied to the front and back garden gates as a barricade and a dining chair placed between the kitchen door and the door to the stairs so nobody could escape downstairs.
article_snippet: the door to the stairs the stairs had been wedged to stop anyone coming down and there were chairs behind the front door as if to prevent people coming in,' Specialist fire investigator Michael Mason said.
article_snippet: It was a natural reaction to try and get out.'