‘They took everything’: arson attack destroyed a mother’s memories of her dead son Karen Holmes is unable to live in her renovated home after an arson attack destroyed the physical space that held memories of her son, Dylan, who died there. The repairs, while making the house physically new, have erased the comforting presence she felt, leading to increased grief and withdrawal. The attack has caused a profound sense of loss, with Karen feeling like the home and her memories have been taken from her.

• Karen Holmes cannot live in her renovated house, which was damaged by a petrol bomb attack.
• The house was a place of comfort and connection to her son, Dylan, who died there in 2017.
• The repairs have altered the house so significantly that it no longer holds the same meaning or comfort for Karen.
• The arson attack has exacerbated her grief and led to withdrawal from family life and a reduction in visits to her son’s grave.
• Karen feels that the house and the memories associated with it have been taken from her, stating ‘It’s not my house any more.’