15 and 13 year-olds arrested in connection with fires in Stoke
They were arrested earlier
Two people have been arrested in connection with a number of fires on Park Hall Country Park in Stoke-on-Trent.
A 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, both from Stoke-on-Trent, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
Chief Inspector David Barrow, from the Stoke South local policing team, said: “We’ve been working closely with our colleagues at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Stoke-on-Trent City Council support those affected by these fires and to identify those responsible.
“The amount of fires that have taken place in the area between July and August is staggering, and I want to assure local communities that we are actively investigating the fires that are deemed to be deliberate.
“While the weather has cooled down and we’re experiencing some rainfall, I still want to send a clear message to everyone in Stoke-on-Trent that the consequences of setting these fires is substantial. Being convicted of arson can land you prison time and will result in a criminal record which can significantly affect your chances of securing a job, getting into higher education and your future prospects.
“I’d urge parents and guardians to speak to young people about the consequences of setting fires deliberately, both in respect of what it could mean for them personally and the damage it can cause to the people and the environment around them.”