Arson attack destroys cop cars
TWO VEHICLES SET ON FIRE IN ‘SHAMEFUL’ INCIDENT IN CAR PARK NEXT TO STATION
THE destruction of two police cars has been described as ‘utterly incomprehensible.’
An investigation has been launched after two parked cars were seen on fire outside in Newgate Street car park in Worksop at around 2.20am on Monday.
Officers at nearby Worksop Police Station in Potter Street were alarmed to see the blaze, which damaged the vehicles beyond repair.
No one was injured in either incident but Inspector Neil Bellamy, district commander for Bassetlaw, called the incident a “shameful attack on the police”.
Insp Bellamy said: “Arson is an incredibly serious offence that can carry a potentially significant jail sentence. The fact that this was targeted at a police station where officers work to keep people safe is utterly incomprehensible.
“Not only does this pose a significant cost to the taxpayer but it also has an impact on resources.
“It is a mindless, disrespectful and shameful attack on the police and it is very lucky that no one was injured.
“Fires can very quickly get out of control and I am thankful to our colleagues in Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for their quick response to the incident.
“We will be ensuring there is a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kim Binns is overseeing the investigation.
Det Ch Insp Binns said: “We are keeping an open mind and will be exploring a number of lines of inquiry.
“We have been doing a lot of enforcement activity in the area and our investigation will look into any potential links with criminal activity in the area.
“I would now appeal to anyone who may have information on what happened to come forward.”
Stephen Copson, station manager at Worksop Fire Station, said: “Not only is arson a serious offence, it risks the lives of the public and emergency service personnel, ruins the environment and costs millions of pounds in damage.
“Aside to this, the demands on resources from arson and deliberate fires outweighs other incident types, resulting in our resources being diverted away from life risk incidents and prevention activities.
“Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service and Nottinghamshire Police are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. We urge that if you have any information regarding this incident that you come forward, and if you see anyone setting a deliberate fire then you can report anonymously to Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558.”
Anyone who has information or footage that could aid detectives should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 78 of 21 June 2021.