Teenagers arrested after school playpark set on fire

Two teenagers have been arrested after a school was broken into and its playpark set on fire.

Officers were called to Steadfold Close, in Bulwell, after receiving a report of a fire at around 1.30pm, on Sunday 2 July.

Working alongside colleagues at Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service the fire was extinguished, and a thorough investigation began after it was deemed to have been deliberately set alight.

It wasn’t long before officers from the City North neighbourhood policing team identified two suspects in connection with the incident.

The team had also received reports of the nursery being broken into two weeks earlier where money had allegedly been stolen from inside.

Two 14-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent and burglary and have since been bailed with condition while inquiries continue.

Bulwell Sergeant Jerone Taylor, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It goes without saying that arson is an incredibly serious offence that can lead to catastrophic consequences.

“This is why we will always work alongside our fire colleagues to carry out full investigations and treat any incidents like this with the seriousness it deserves.

“Officers worked quickly in this case to put the pieces together and arrest two teenage suspects.

“I want to reassure the people in our communities that we are out on patrols in the area, and we are listening to your concerns.

“We have been carrying out extra patrols in the area and will continue to show our presence and I would ask the public if you have any information or any concerns please do come and speak to one of us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting incident number 326 of 2 July 2023, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.