Arsonists set fire to Thirsk Falcons equipment store

Police are hunting arsonists who set fire to an equipment store belonging to Thirsk Falcons FC.

The Portakabin store and contents was destroyed in the blaze which occurred this afternoon at the club’s Newsham Road site.

Crews from Thirsk, Northallerton and Ripon were called to the scene at 12.49pm.

The club said in a statement: “The cabin was made secure after the last time it was vandalised, but they have come back and this time set fire to it.

Heartless act of vandalism in #Thirsk with an arson attack on a football club’s equipment cabin. If you’ve any info, please contact @NYorksPolice on 101 to report it. It’s tough enough for community sports clubs right now without this adding to it. https://t.co/yJVIEqKwwm— Andrew Brodie (@NYFRSABrodie) May 31, 2020

“The cabin had a build up of equipment collected over the years, and as you can see now, nothing is left.

“It should be added that next door is the cafe with gas canisters in there, putting the lives of the firemen at risk if it were to spread to the cafe.

“Thankfully the cafe is ok and suffered no damage due to the amazing work from the North Yorkshire fire service.

“If you have any information that can help, however little, please inform either the police or contact the club.”

Two youths were seen running from the scene at about 12.50pm.

Police would like to speak to the pair who are aged around 14 or 15.

Police say one was wearing a dark tracksuit and the other was riding a bike and had “big dark curly hair”.

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101.