A DISABLED man fears for his safety after his flat in a Southampton tower block was targeted by arsonists.

Alan Willcox discovered his mail had been set alight at his flat in Meredith Towers in Thornhill.

Now police have launched an investigation into the incident at the 13-floor apartment.

It comes a week after three police officers were injured after an alleged arson attack in a 12th floor flat in Hightown Towers in Thornhill, which saw more than 70 firefighters tackle the flames.

A 55-year-old woman was arrested and bailed until February 19 following the initial incident, which police believe is not linked to this weekend’s attack.

Mr Willcox, 41, uses a wheelchair because he has compartment syndrome, a condition caused by severe swelling or bleeding which has left his legs with nerve damage. He was shocked to discover the burnt letter in his letter box.

The incident happened after Mr Willcox and his partner Alison Tilley had returned from a holiday and it has left him unable to sleep – as he fears he could be targeted again.

He is also calling on Southampton City Council to ensure he has a ‘fireproof’ letter box, to give him peace of mind.

Mr Willcox, a council tenant, said: “I am in a wheelchair and it makes me feel like I can’t sleep. It is just shocking and I am gobsmacked that someone would do that.

“The worst case scenario would have left me dead and given what happened last week it is very scary.”

Alison, 47, added it could have been much worse. She said: “It has made us very scared to think that something like this could happen.

“If I was out and Alan was here on his own it could have been really serious.”

Now the council has vowed to improve his safety.

Thornhill ward councillor Mary Lloyd said: “I shall have to check what we can do but certainly we can do something.

“Alan is a remarkable man. He takes an active and intelligent interest in so many things that make residents’ lives better so we do want to help him.”

Housing chief Cllr Warwick Payne said: “If they would like to request a fire proof letter box then we would look at their request. If they want to give me their details I will look into it for them.”