Spate of arson attacks prompts cops appeal in Wath

Witnesses to incidents are being urged to come forward and several appeals for information have already been released following a number of vehicle fires. 

On September 28, three minibuses at Wath Comprehensive School were set alight, causing extensive damage.

A 15-year-old local boy was arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail. 

Last week, emergency services were called to tackle four vehicle fires during the early hours of October 15 in Church Street, Valley Drive, Vicar Road and Montgomery Square.

One of the vehicles set alight was an unattended police vehicle. 

In the most recent incident, between 40 and 70 vehicles were significantly damaged by a fire at a vehicle compound in Manvers Way on Sunday. 

No arrests have so far been made. 

Detective Sergeant Iain Martin from Rotherham said: “These fires have caused extensive damage and the total cost of the vehicles damaged is significant.

“It is miraculous nobody has been seriously injured as a result of such reckless behaviour and our officers are actively pursuing a number of lines of enquiry in a bid to identify those responsible for these acts. 

“While all three incidents have happened in close proximity, there is nothing to suggest that the fires are linked at this time. However, we are keeping an open mind and I’d encourage anyone with information to get in touch.” 

Police remain in the area carrying out house-to-house enquiries and providing reassurance, as well as examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area. 

Anyone with information can call 101 or email [email protected], quoting incident number 1179 of October 18. 

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.