Arsonists who set fire to seven vehicles in York are being hunted by detectives. The incidents are being treated as suspicious.
York Police officers were alerted to the incidents in the Layerthorpe area of the city by the fire and rescue service at around 1.50am on Monday 15 August 2011.
Investigations are ongoing at:
- Horwell Brothers, on Mansfield Street, where a Vauxhall Corsa was burnt out
- Carillion Energy Services on the Ebor Industrial Estate, Hallfield Road, where six vans were set alight (four of the vans were completely destroyed.)
Some residents reported hearing explosions in the area, which police believe were the diesel tanks catching fire.
Detective Constable Sinead McConigley, of York CID, said:
We believe that these fires were a deliberate act and are appealing for the public to help us identify who is responsible.
I urge anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in the area at the time of the incidents to contact the police or Crimestoppers immediately.
Arson is a serious crime which can be extremely dangerous. Fortunately, nobody was hurt on this occasion but fires can be lethal and incidents like these cannot be tolerated.
Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is urged to contact PC Sinead McConigley, of York CID, on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number 12110137609.
