article_snippet: Before luring text messages into the attic Mr Sykes sprayed four cans of petrol across  the ground floor of his house and barricaded doors with furniture.
article_snippet: Mr Sykes had also tied the front and back garden gates with cord to prevent anyone from accessing the property.
article_snippet: Police were forced to smash a window to gain access to the property.
article_snippet: The door to 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,' said special fire investigator Michael Mason.
article_snippet: Evidence suggested Mr Sykes made a desperate attempt to escape as flames ravaged the floors beneath them. '
article_snippet: It was a natural reaction to try to get out.'