Appeal following suspected Arson at York library

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about an incident of suspected Arson at Tang Hall Explore Library.

The incident happened some time between 3pm on Saturday 27 February  and 8.30am on Monday 1 March  and involved an area outside of the building being damaged by fire

We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In particular, we are appealing for information about anyone who was seen in the area or who saw the fire.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Nicola Russell.

You can also email Nicola.Russell@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210069072.

Foxwood

There have also been problems with theft and vandalism on the other side of the City in Foxwood recently. There have been thefts from the community centre garden, fencing has been damaged and windows broken. One empty council bungalow has been a particular target.

CCTV footage suggests teenagers are responsible.

Police are asking anyone who sees any crimes being committed to ring 999 immediately

Fire crews attend arson attack on Grange Lane

North Yorkshire Fire service report an arson attach last night

“Grange Lane Play Area, near Askham Lane, York – Time of call 18:58

Acomb fire crew attended a fire involving children’s playground equipment. The cause of fire is believed to be deliberate. Crews extinguished fire using knapsack sprayers.

It is unclear whether the attack was at the private Kaleidoscope play area or the public playground in Grange Lane park”

Incident log 

St Stephens Road arson incident

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue are reporting that a fire was started deliberately on St Stephens Road this morning.

According to the Service the attack involved  a “wheelie bin on fire against the external doors of a 2 storey block of flats.

Resulted in fire damage to wheelie bin, slight fire damage to doors and light smoke damage to entrance foyer.

The cause is deliberate”

You can follow the Fire Serviceby clicking here  & via Twitter here @NorthYorksFire

Crime levels on rise as residents seek meeting with police

Concerns about arson attacks in run up to “bonfire night”

The Foxwood Residents Association has written to local Police Chiefs asking for a meeting to discuss an increase in anti social behaviour problems in the area.

The requests comes as figures reveal that there has been  a  13% increase in crime nationally over the last year.

However the figures also confirm that North Yorkshire continues to have the lowest crime rate in England.

It shows there were a total of 37,359 crimes in North Yorkshire during the 12-month period, giving a crime rate of 45.9 per 1,000 of the population. This reflects a one percent increase in crime in comparison to the same period the previous year.

Broken down into the main crime categories, the ONS figures for North Yorkshire show:
(more…)

Hay bale fire on Askham Lane UPDATED 1500 hrs

It looks like the bales have reignited. Some smoke blowing across the A1237. Fire service in attendance at 1500 hrs today

For the second time this summer arsonists have been accused of setting fire to crops on fields near Askham Lane.

Last night, hay bales were set on fire and it was only this morning – following steady rain – that the fire was completely extinguished.

Police and the Fire service attended the blase.

Fire damage in July

In July a field between Askham Lane and the Ainsty Park estate was set on fire prompting concerns for the safety of residents.

Hopefully the police will make progress in identifying those responsible

Police investigate “potentially devastating” Tudor Road arson

Detectives in York have issued a CCTV still following an act of arson in the city as they appeal for the public’s help to identify the suspect.

CCTV still of Acomb arson suspect

It was reported to the police shortly after 12.50am on Tuesday 14 October 2014, by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who were dealing with a car fire on Tudor Road, Acomb.

The suspect was seen placing something underneath a BMW before setting it on fire.

After the incident, the person responsible headed towards Hamilton Drive.

As a result of the fire, the BMW 3 series was completely destroyed and a Citroen Berlingo and a Mazda were damaged. The front of the house was also damaged by the fire.

Detective Sergeant Mark Jackson, of York CID, said: “The act of arson took place very close to the house where people were sleeping. This fire could easily have led to potentially devastating consequences.

“If you recognise the person captured on camera, or saw someone matching their description in the Tudor Road, Gale Lane or Middleton Road areas around the time of the fire, I urge you to contact the police immediately.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who works at local garages who may have sold fuel to someone filling a petrol can, and ask them to get in touch straight away.”

Anyone who can assist with this investigation should contact York CID on 101, select option 2 and ask for the department by name. Alternatively, information can be emailed to yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12140177124.