Arsonists torch caravan – and mock owners by leaving Joker ‘calling cards’ at the scene of the crime
Colin and Jean White's 'pride and joy' - which they were using to holiday in Scotland after retirement - was destroyed in the sinister blaze
A RETIRED couple's "pride and joy" was destroyed when arsonists torched their beloved caravan - and mocked them by leaving Joker calling cards at the scene.
Pensioner Colin White and his wife Jean, who suffers from early-onset dementia, had poured their life savings into a caravan for holidays to Scotland.
But yobs torched the vehicle along with a Kia car on Saturday morning - and gas cylinders in the caravan caused it to explode.
And, in a sick twist, the culprits left a deck of playing cards at the scene - with the couple's granddaughter claiming other houses in the area have also been targeted with the same stunt.
Teenager Olivia Barnes said her grandparents were "a wreck" after the blaze caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to their home in the Lancashire village of Euxton.
Olivia, an 18-year-old bartender, said: "Their world has come crashing down.
"My grandma is very ill with early onset dementia and her car, caravan and beautiful garden - which she had recently got to blossom - have been destroyed.
"Unfortunately her caravan was not under any insurance and she does not have the means to replace it.
"It made her the grandma I remember her being as I was growing up, her own little escape from her head. As for my grandad, it was his absolute pride and joy.
"The damage is not only physical but emotional. My grandparents are truly the most precious people in my life.
"All I want is for them to enjoy their most precious time together; what they have saved up for their entire lives - retirement.
"We live three blocks away and when I smelt the burning on Saturday morning I started screaming for my dad because I thought it was our house on fire.
"We got a call from my grandad at about 4.15am saying everything was on fire. They were terrified.
"It took several neighbours to break the door down and get them out. It could have been so much worse. We could have been planning for a funeral today."
Olivia rushed to her grandparents' aid along with parents Stephen, 47, and Gail, 43, sister Amy, 21, and brother Billy, 12.
The couple were rescued from the house, where damage was limited to smoke-stained windows, but the driveway and garden were badly hit after two gas cylinders from the caravan exploded.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Bamber Bridge and Chorley attended and believe the blaze was started deliberately.
Olivia said: "It's a sadistic attack. I don't know if they think they're being funny by leaving these cards at the scene but it's just causing more stress.
"My grandad worked on the railways and my granny worked in the mills. They just want to enjoy their retirement but instead they've lost their one source of escape.
"With my granny's illness she uses the caravan as a way to get away from everything. They were just planning a trip to Scotland next month.
"Every day since the attack, other caravans on the same street have had these calling cards left on them. It's sick. It's like someone is watching them.
"They've lived here for 40 years with no problems and now they don't feel safe. They call us at night because they're scared stiff.
"Euxton is the loveliest place but the filth who've done this have ruined my grandparents' lives."
Lancashire Police said no-one had been arrested in connection with the incident.
A spokesman said: "We were called around 4.20am on Saturday following reports of a fire in Euxton, Chorley.
"Officers attended and found a caravan on fire in Runshaw Lane.
"Around 4.40am, police were called to an address in Cedar Avenue following reports of another fire.
"A caravan, Kia car and fence panels were damaged. Following investigation by police and fire crews, the cause of both fires are believed to be suspicious in nature."
An online appeal to raise funds for the heartbroken couple has already raised £200 and can be found at
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368.