Lorry driver’s devastation after Range Rover destroyed in ‘arson attack’
Terrified Hartlepool residents have spoken of their shock as no fewer than seven streets were hit by car fires.
Horrified householders woke up to explosions and the sound of sirens in the early hours of Friday morning after an alleged arsonist “maliciously ignited” eight vehicles on residential streets[1].
Cleveland Police[2] confirmed that a 31-year-old man has been arrested and remains in custody. The force also stated that there will be an increased presence in the town’s neighbourhoods to reassure residents.
But, for owners who were hit by the alleged arson attacks they now face the cost and inconvenience of replacing their vehicles.
Paul Brackstone, 59, of Jubilee Homes, has been left devastated by the destruction of his Range Rover, which he described as his ‘pride and joy’. He said: “It was 20 years old, but I had really looked after it.”
The lorry driver said he was awoken at around 1.15am by the bang and saw his car in flames. He said: “It brings you back to the Beirut days.”
He said everyone has been left wondering why this has happened.
The remains of Ava Stoddart’s Vauxhall Corsa in Caledonian Road (Image: Teessidelive)
Ava Stoddart, 19, was staying at her boyfriend’s house in Caledonian Road and said the first thing she knew was when someone was knocking on the door at 1.30am saying her car was alight. She said she was ‘shocked’, but was planning on selling the VW Corsa in the future.
In Landsdown Road, Keith Cahill was alerted in the early hours of the morning from his daughter saying their car was on fire. Like the other vehicles the Zafira was destroyed.
Keith, 41, who lives with his wife Ashleigh and three children aged 10, 14 and 15, said they have never had any bother in the street.
He said: “Hopefully it was just a one off.”
Keith Cahill outside his home in Landsdown Road, Hartlepool, where his car was set ablaze
One householder in Caledonian Road said she could see the flames, but wasn’t frightened until she heard two loud explosions. A witness in Baden Street said the area is becoming worse each day.
He said: “It is anarchy, we are all worried. Is it going to be my car next?”
Cllr Jonathan Brash, who represents the Brinkburn ward on Hartlepool Council, said: “Residents have been terrified in their own homes. No punishment is hard enough for this as far as I am concerned.
“I have never been one of those people who say ‘It’s just one of those things’ – we have to fight back.”
Cars on fire in Hartlepool
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a spate of arson incidents which occurred overnight in Hartlepool[4]. Police received a report of vehicle fires on Caledonian Road, Baden Street, Shrewsbury Street, Lansdowne Road, Osborne Road, Stockton[5] Road and Brinkburn Road at around 1.30am this morning (18th August).
“A total of eight vehicles were damaged and a small number of residents were evacuated from their homes for a short period of time. The 31-year-old man has ben arrested on suspicion of arson and he remains in police custody at this time.”
District commander for Hartlepool, Superintendent Martin Hopps, added: “We know these incidents have caused some concern for residents and officers will be in the area carrying out high visibility patrols today and over the weekend to reassure the public. I would urge anyone with information or any CCTV or dash cam footage that could help with our enquiries to get in touch with us.”
Officers are appealing for anyone with information or anyone with any relevant CCTV or dash cam footage to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 164288.
Footage can be uploaded here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/cleveland/appeal/man-arrested-following-spate-of-arson-incidents[6]
References
- ^ eight vehicles on residential streets (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cleveland Police (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Shih tzu Oscar killed in horrific dog attack as vets say injuries ‘among worst they’ve seen’ (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Hartlepool (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Stockton (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/cleveland/appeal/man-arrested-following-spate-of-arson-incidents (tracking.vuelio.co.uk)