Villager targeted by hate campaign has car set on fire

A VILLAGER who objected to planning applications fell victim to a hate campaign and was falsely branded a paedophile.

Kenneth Kolb, a music teacher, had his car set on fire days after a leaflet campaign claimed the pensioner was a paedophile.

Police investigating the crimes in Grendon Underwood, Bucks, said that the claims about Mr Kolb were malicious and they were treating the fire as arson with intent to endanger life.

Mr Kolb, who is in his 70s, and his partner Jennifer were forced to leave their home because of fire damage caused to the property after arsonists set his car alight at 2.30am on Oct 18.

One resident claimed he had been told by police that they were investigating whether Mr Kolb’s planning objections – some of them successful – may be linked to the attacks and allegations.

Another villager said the leaflets were handed out and put through letterboxes, adding: “I feel really sorry for Ken and his partner. They were virtually driven out of the village.”

The villager added they knew of one planning application “where he objected to an incinerator and took his objection ... to the High Court”.

A police spokesman said a 38-yearold man from Grendon Underwood arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent had been released under investigation.

A 44-year-old man from Aylesbury and 39-year-old woman from Hemel Hempstead, Herts, were bailed on suspicion of arson with intent and harassment.