THE help of television's “Supernanny” lasted just two years for one Essex family - after one of their children apparently set fire to their Witham home.
THE help of television's “Supernanny” lasted just two years for one Essex family - after one of their children apparently set fire to their Witham home.
The family of six, a 40-year-old woman and five boys, were left temporarily homeless following the blaze in Pitt Avenue on Monday afternoon.
Two years ago Supernanny Jo Frost had worked with the mother and her five sons who were causing problems.
The mother, named by neighbours as Susan Young, suffered slight smoke inhalation during yesterday's fire and was given oxygen therapy by fire crews at the scene. She did not need to go to hospital.
Station Officer Terry Hutton said: “We believe the family had TV's 'Supernanny' round to assist the parent in controlling her children.
“They clearly weren't playing along as the fire looks like it was caused by one of the youngsters setting light to the curtains.”
Firefighters took around half an hour to tackle the blaze, thought to have been started by a three-year-old, which began at around 2.45pm.
A preview of the family's Supernanny episode, which was screened in October last year, said: “Supernanny Jo Frost is called in to tame the Young family of five boys.
“With so many kids in the house, it's a case of mob rule, and the parents are desperate for help.
“In an attempt to restore order, Supernanny introduces a Reward Tower and gives the boys Naughty Stools. She also helps to improve communication between Mum and Dad. But can she rein in these renegades?”
Locals today said they understood Mrs Young, who is thought to be a care home worker, and her children were staying in a hotel.
The front window of the four-bedroom house was blackened with smoke and the curtains were singed.
Neighbour George Chaplin, 88, said: “They have been here several years and I've never had any problems with them.
“I saw the mother this morning. She said: 'It never rains but it pours.' I feel really sorry for her.”
The woman suffered slight smoke inhalation in the incident and was given oxygen therapy by fire crews at the scene. She did not need to go to hospital.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here