FIREFIGHTERS were called out to deal with a suspected arson attack on the Old Grappenhall Rectory building in old Grappenhall village yesterday evening.
The drama was witnessed by Grappenhall Bellringers at the neighbouring St Wilfrid’s Church, who shared images on social media.
Firefighters from Warrington and Lymm managed to bring the blaze under control at the building which has stood empty for many years.
Youngsters were reported being seen running away from the building.
Later, a fire service spokesperson said the blaze had involved a log burner and flue in a rear room at the building. A hose reel jet was used to extinguish it and a ventilation unit was brought in to clear smoke from the building.
Police are appealing for witnesses of the incident to come forward. Anyone who can help should call police on 101 or use the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline, 0800 555 111.
2 Comments
The incidents of arson in Warrington is getting out of hand this year and summer has only started. You only have to count the number of pictures of fire engines on WWW to realise that. They may even be more frequent than motorway cranes and queues.
Sometimes all three are combined in one article!
“Youngsters were reported being seen running away from the building.”
Perhaps they were running away because they were afraid they would get blamed for setting it alight?
‘Youngsters’ were prime suspects for setting Mr Smiths alight and dragged through court but there was no evidence to prosecute.
‘Youngsters’ were also suspects for arson on Bewsey Old Hall, the bandstand at Walton Gardens etc. etc. – again no prosecutions.
Why should ‘youngsters’, who might just happen to be in the area – or who might have just come to ‘see what’s going on’ be considered ‘prime suspects’?
Instead of jumping to conclusions I think ‘motive’ should be the main consideration for investigators.