Man Charged After Massive Fire and Explosions at Sutton-in-Ashfield Allotments
A suspect has been hit with charges after a huge fire and loud explosions tore through allotments in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Emergency services rushed to Mansfield Road at 9.30pm on Friday, May 14, 2021, following reports of a man seen starting the blaze.
Fire Crews Battle Blazing Inferno
Firefighters from Ashfield, Blidworth, London Road, and Derbyshire’s Alfreton station battled the fast-spreading fire. Roads around the scene were shut down as crews worked tirelessly to contain the flames.
The fire wrecked several allotments, sheds, and greenhouses before it was finally brought under control. Nottinghamshire police arrested a man on suspicion of arson during the operation.
Racial Abuse and Threats During Incident
Disturbingly, an officer was allegedly subjected to racial abuse and threats of violence during the response. Nathan Smith, 31, homeless at the time, faced Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 17. He was charged with arson and racially-aggravated common assault.
Smith has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on June 14, 2021.
Police Crack Down on Hate Crime
“This was a resource intensive incident that required a joint response from emergency services,” said Inspector Mark Dickson of Nottinghamshire Police.
“The fire caused serious damage to multiple structures at the allotments, understandably worrying the local community.”
“Nottinghamshire Police takes hate crime in all its forms very seriously and will take firm action against offenders. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
