The hunt for arsonists who targeted a Teesside beauty spot is continuing today.
Cleveland Police conducted area searches and spoke to several people following yesterday’s malicious blaze on Eston Hills.
And the force has today confirmed that the hunt for the suspects will commence again.
Officers and firefighters were called to Eston Hills at about 4.30pm following reports of “from several members of the public” who had seen youngsters setting fires.
As a result, several pockets of flames, and one large blaze on the north side of the hills, started.
Fire crews, led by Grangetown Fire Station, were at the scene for several hours battling the fire.
They left the scene at about 8.30pm on safety grounds and returned this morning to check the area.
It is the latest of a string of what are all believed to be maliciously started.
A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Inquiries are continuing today after a number of deliberate fires on the Eston Hills yesterday afternoon.
“Police received calls from several members of the public reporting groups of youngsters setting fires, and from the Fire Brigade reporting the same incidents.
“Officers conducted area searches and spoke to people who had information, and this will be followed up. The national air support service also attended to support officers on the ground.
“We would like to remind children that deliberately setting fires is extremely dangerous and they are putting themselves and others at risk in doing so.
“These fires also cause damage to the natural environment which is there for everyone’s enjoyment. We would urge parents to check where their children are and what they are doing - and to speak to them about staying safe.”
A spokesperson for the force also urged parents to be proactive.
“If your child returns home smelling of smoke, or you come across potential suspects, I would urge you to ring the police,” they said.
Over the years, campaigns to deter youngsters from starting fires there have been carried out.
Cleveland Fire Brigade has also used a specialist 120ft high CCTV camera to look for suspicious behaviour and fires.
Speaking last year, John Feeney, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s district manager, said: “Deliberate grass and moorland fires are reckless in the extreme. They damage our beautiful countryside and divert our resources away from dealing with real emergencies where lives may be at risk.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
No comments:
Post a Comment