Elderly Farmer's Animals Killed in Suspected Mistaken Arson Attack
A 75-year-old farmer has been left heartbroken after a suspected arson attack killed a horse and two goats on his East Boldon farm. Police believe the attack was a case of mistaken identity.
Fire Destroys Sheds and Stables
Shortly after midnight on Thursday, officers rushed to a farm off Mundles Lane following reports of a fire. The blaze tore through a shed and a stable block belonging to Frederick Rylance, destroying animal housing and claiming three innocent lives.
Earlier Graffiti Incident May Be Linked
This isn’t the first time trouble has hit the farm. Only days earlier, on September 5, vandals marked the stables with offensive graffiti. Police suspect a connection between the incidents amid local social media uproar over a nearby resident awaiting trial on rape charges.
Police Warn Against Vigilante Justice
“The victim of this arson is absolutely distraught,” said Sgt Phil Smailes of Northumbria Police. “We understand local communities’ passion, but vigilante action risks innocent victims and can jeopardise ongoing investigations.”
“This attack has devastated the farmer whose livelihood and animals have been destroyed. There is no place for this behaviour.”
Sgt Smailes added the farmer is fortunate not to have been hurt and confirmed a full investigation is underway. Police vow to take tough action against anyone responsible.
Police Appeal for Information
- Anyone with info should contact Northumbria Police via their ‘Tell Us Something’ website or by calling 101, quoting log 14 170920.
- Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
