Two boys arrested on suspicion of arson in Helmsley

Emergency services, including police officers, were called to the incident in Eastgate, Helmsley at around 6pm.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Our officers attended immediately, and as a result of information received at the scene, identified two suspects. Two boys were arrested a short time later on suspicion of arson. They have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

“The fire is believed to have been deliberately started, and caused damage to nearby properties.

“Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and into a number of other fires believed to have been set deliberately in the local area recently.

“We understand the significant concern these incidents have caused in the local community, and investigations are continuing at pace.2

Anyone with information or CCTV footage who has not already spoken to police, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12260082798.

As reported by the Gazette & Herald, crews from Kirkbymoorside and Thirsk were called to an electric pole on fire which had spread to a perimeter hedge of two properties.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “A firefighter wearing breathing apparatus equipment for comfort began extinguishing the fire.

“The power board were requested to inspect the charred, overhead power lines.

“The guttering and facade to two properties had been affected by the hedge fire and crews isolated mains gas to both properties as a precaution.

“No signs of fire inside the properties were evident. A fire investigation will be conducted during daylight hours to determine a cause. Crews used a triple exterior ladder, one breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and a thermal imaging camera.”