Police appeal for information following spate of arson in Plymstock

Officers are appealing for information following a series of arson attacks on buildings across Plymstock.

Deliberate fires were set at two disused buildings and a storage yard between March and May, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Each time groups of youths have been seen in and around the buildings and two of the premises were also vandalised.

The latest incident happened around 7pm on Sunday, 18 May, after a large fire was set within the former Dunstone Primary School in Shortwood Crescent.

The fire was quickly extinguished but substantial damage was caused. Windows had also been smashed and youths were seen on the roof.

An abandoned building off Billacombe Road was also targeted on 7 April.

Offenders smashed a window before starting the fire on the ground floor of the building near Killerton Lane between 4.30pm and 8.30pm.

Pipes and radiators were pulled from the walls causing substantial water damage, while other fixtures were also destroyed and the walls kicked.

Officers are also investigating a suspicious fire at a building site at Saltram Meadow on 27 March.

They were called at 6.20pm after the significant fire began within insulation materials stored at the site off Encombe Street. Thousands of pounds worth of materials were destroyed.

PC Adam Bell, from Plymstock Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "These attacks are pure mindless vandalism which are costing victims thousands of pounds and also putting lives at risk. Thankfully, no-one has been injured so far.

"We are aware that these reports will cause concern locally but we would like to reassure the community that we are taking this matter very seriously and will take robust action against those found responsible.

"We would urge any witnesses or anyone with information which could help with our enquiries to get in touch. We are especially keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which may have captured any suspicious activity or suspects in and around any of the buildings at the time of the incidents."

Please contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting crime references 50250125056 [Dunstone], 50250076769 [Saltram Meadow] or 50250086747 [Billacombe Road].

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.