Arson Attack Rocks Sutton-in-Ashfield Allotments
Emergency services raced to a blaze at allotments on Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, after reports of fire and loud explosions on Friday night (14 May 2021) around 9.30pm. A man was spotted starting the fire, sparking a major police and fire rescue response.
Blazing Fire Damages Multiple Allotments
Firefighters from Ashfield, Blidworth, London Road, and Derbyshire’s Alfreton station battled the flames. Roads nearby were shut as crews worked to contain the inferno. Several allotments suffered significant damage in the fire.
Suspect Arrested for Arson and Assault on Officer
Police quickly tracked down a 31-year-old man believed to be involved and arrested him on suspicion of arson. Once in custody, the man allegedly racially abused an officer and threatened violence, leading to an additional arrest for assaulting an emergency worker.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Nick Butler said: “This was a resource intensive incident that required a joint response from emergency services. Not only has this caused damage to several of the allotments but it would have also been incredibly concerning for the local community.
“I’d like to reassure residents that we quickly located and arrested a suspect in connection with this case and are now working to establish the circumstances. Action will be taken against whoever did this.
“The further report of racism and threats to an officer is totally unacceptable. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and we take it very seriously.
“We will be conducting a thorough investigation into both incidents and I would now ask the public to share any information they have that could help the investigation.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Anyone with information or who witnessed the fire or related incidents is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 868 of 14 May 2021.
