Anger as arsonist is ‘let off’
A POLICE force has been criticised for giving a 16-year-old arsonist a caution – despite him torching a warehouse and causing £650,000 worth of damage.
The unnamed teenager admitted sparking a blaze at the Reform Energy factory in Fleetwood, Lancs, containing 3,000 tons of plastic.
The smoke left many residents with sore throats and streaming eyes. But the youth was let off after writing a letter saying he was sorry.
Yesterday Fleetwood Neighbourhood Watch, said: “What kind of message does this send to others for such a serious offence?”
Lancashire Police said the age of the offender was crucial in their decision. A spokesman said they had liaised with the youth offending team, the fire brigade and the owner of the company connected with the building.