Arson suspected at Shropshire Church building
Arson is suspected after a fire broke out at Nicholas Church Parish Rooms, in Newport, at around 2.30am on 24th June.
The arsonists broke into the building and set fire to books which caused damage to the committee room, kitchen and the roof.
Chris Ammonds, from West Mercia Police said: “Our investigations are still on-going. We have collected a number of items and sent them away for forensic testing. We are now waiting for the results of those tests and for the results from our media appeal. Anyone with any information is urged to contact us as a matter of urgency.”
Denise Wakefield, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, added: “Extensive damage was caused to the building, including the roof space. Many items were completely destroyed, although exactly what was damaged has not yet been established. It appears that access had been gained to the rear of the premises and a fire had been started in a small storage room. Police are treating the incident as arson and we would appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to the fire to come forward.”
Nursery equipment destroyed in arson attack
A fire which broke out at a school in Cheltenham is thought to have been started deliberately.
The fire at Dunalley Primary School broke out on 22nd June at around 8.00pm and destroyed much of the outdoor play equipment used by the Ducklings nursery. Three sheds were also destroyed in the blaze.
Headteacher Judith Price said: “I came in on Saturday morning to look at the damage in daylight and it was just devastating. It’s upsetting for the children. I have had to tell them what has happened. Everyone is so good at looking after our school. It’s got a lovely environment. It’s so well looked after by the school community and neighbours. It’s fortunate our neighbours were alert because a few more minutes and it could have had a devastating effect. Five more minutes and it would have caught hold of the school – that’s what the fire officers said. Some of the plastic guttering used to harvest rain water on the side of the school has melted.”
Many bikes, trikes, play mats, toy cars and dressing up clothes were destroyed in the fire.
Ms Price added: “Everything that they use to play with outside has gone up in smoke.”
One parent said: “I’m absolutely livid about it. To think the vandals have burned all these kids’ toys and play equipment is a disgrace. They are all very upset about it.”
Chris Jackson from Gloucestershire police confirmed that the incident is being treated as arson. He added: “We need to establish the circumstances in which the fire started and would appeal to anyone who saw suspicious activity on the night to call us. No matter how insignificant you think it may be, please let us know so we can judge.”
Fire breaks out at Cornwall care home
A large fire has severely damaged a residential home for the elderly in Cornwall.
The fire started in a utility room at the home at around 3.30pm on 16th June.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident at the building on Barbican Road, Looe and spent around 2 hours bringing the flames under control before it spread to other areas of the home.
There were no injuries reported and initial findings show that the cause was accidental.
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Working Men’s Club destroyed in arson attack
Staffordshire firefighters were called to a huge fire at a disused working men’s club on the evening of 18th June.
Crews spent around 4 hours tackling the fire at the Old Mills Working Men’s Club and Institute in Blurton at about 8.40pm.
Station Manager Rob Barber confirmed that arson is suspected. The building was so badly damaged that it will now need to be demolished.
Mr Barber said: “We have carried out our investigations and have gathered enough evidence to support a conclusion that this fire was started deliberately. We will do everything in our power to help Staffordshire Police bring those responsible to justice – arson is a serious crime, it endangers many lives and ties up emergency services for hours.”
There were no casualties reported in the incident. An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway.
Leicestershire builder fined £5000 for fire safety breaches
A Leicestershire builder has been fined over £5,000 after being found guilty of fire safety regulations.
Craig Derrick from Hinckley, admitted breaching a prohibition notice issued to him by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service after they carried out an inspection on Lillie House, in Conduit Street, Leicester, in October 2010.
He was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs. Mr Derrick was released on unconditional bail to appear for sentencing at Leicester Crown Court on 12th July.
The building is being developed by Launch Padz Developments and is being converted into 75 single and communal student flats. It had been rejected as unsafe by fire service inspectors, who issued a notice preventing anyone living there until the problems were corrected.
Hazel Padmore, from the fire service, said that despite the notice, students had been allowed to move into the property. She said: “There was a backlog of students waiting for accommodation. They were let in intentionally with clear assurances that there was nothing wrong with the building.”
Mr Derrick said that he was not present when the prohibition notice was issued and was not certain what it meant.
Mr Derrick said: “The job was done to satisfaction when it was completed. I am on the spot – building is very slack.”