Bandstand fire being treated as arson

Police are treating the fire on the Kingsbridge bandstand as arson. 

Kingsbridge Police have released a statement on Monday morning, following the fire on the bandstand in Kingsbridge in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

The social media post states that the fire is "being treated as arson" and a "robust police investigation" is underway. 

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called out to attend a fire at 5:48am on Sunday, 22 January. We sent one pump from Kingsbridge. The crew used one reel to extinguish the fire which had spread into the roof of the bandstand and had also ignited one bench. We left the scene at 7.19am.

"This fire has been classified as ‘deliberate ignition’."

Clerk to the bandstand owner Kingsbridge Town Council, Martin Johnson, said: "Kingsbridge Town Council is shocked and saddened that a fire has caused considerable damage to the Bandstand in the early hours of Sunday morning 22nd January.

"The response of Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was commendable and we thank all officers involved for their efforts.

 "The Town Council is currently liaising with the Police and CCTV coverage is being interrogated."

Arson is a crime under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and carries a maximum penalty of £5,000 or six months imprisonment. 

The police spokesperson added: "If you have any information regarding this incident or those responsible, please contact us via one of the following methods - Devon and Cornwall Police website quoting log 147 of 22/1/23, calling 101, Crimestoppers or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."