Three people have been arrested after fireworks were set off and a fire broke out next to a block of flats on a Lancaster estate.
The emergency services were called to Austwick Road on Lancaster’s Ryelands estate on Monday evening following reports of people throwing fireworks and a consequent fire next to a block of flats. A number of residents had to be evacuated, although fortunately no one was hurt.
The Lancaster Guardian, which has extensive coverage of events in its print edition today, reports youths left Ryelands residents living in fear after
starting late-night fires on the estate, one of which spread to two
homes.
Youngsters had been seen throwing
fireworks before Lancaster firefighters were called to a fire at the Dee
Road skatepark at 9.25pm on Monday.
This afternoon, police announced two local men, aged 28 and 29, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and have been bailed pending further inquiries.
A 20-year old man has also been arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with a break-in at a fireworks shop on Bulk Road, Lancaster, on Monday in which £500 worth of fireworks and a £800 camera were stolen. He is currently in police custody.
“We have been carrying out regular patrols on the Ryelands estate since the incident on Monday evening,” said Sergeant Jim Edmonds from the Lancaster neighbourhood police team. “This will continue for the foreseeable future and we hope to make more arrests.
“Fortunately nobody was hurt but there was considerable damage caused and we are taking these incidents seriously.
“We would ask that the local community supports us in tackling those who are were intent on causing damage to the neighbourhood with their dangerous behaviour. If anyone has information, we would ask them to get in touch with us.”
• Contact Lancaster Police with information on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.