Police warn against ‘vigilante justice’

Police are warning that ‘vigilante justice’ can have serious consequences after a fire they believe could be a case of mistaken identity.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire crews from South Shields to tackle the blaze at Frederick Rylance’s stables in East Boldon, where they found as table, barn, a quantity of hay and a telegraph pole on fire.

Firefighters used two hose reels, a jet and breathing apparatus.

Two pet goats and a sixmonth-old foal perished in the fire on Thursday.

Northumbria Police believe Mr Rylance could be an innocent victim of mistaken identity.

Sergeant Phil Smailes said Mr Rylance was “absolutely distraught by what has happened”.

He said :“We understand that local communities can feel a sense of protection over the area they live and work in, but this kind of vigilante justice can have serious consequences.

“Not only can innocent people become victims of crime – as is in this case – but ongoing investigations and criminal proceedings risk being jeopardised.

“We would ask the public to think about the horrendous impact that this attack has had on the farmer whose live lihood has been threatened, with a number of animals having died in the fire.”

Anyone with information can contact the force via the Tell Us Something page of its website, call 101 quoting log 14170920 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.