Police Warning Issued Following Deliberate Fires at Summerhill Country Park and Visitor Centre

Published Tuesday, 4th April 2017

Officers are warning that someone could be hurt after a number of deliberate fires at Summerhill Country Park and Visitor Centre in Hartlepool.

12 deliberate fires have been started on numerous evenings over the past week.

It is believed a group of youths are responsible for the fires.

Inspector Mal Suggit from the Hartlepool Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Setting deliberate fires is unacceptable and those responsible could potentially cause someone to be seriously hurt or worse.

“Significant damage has been caused to the grass and trees on the site where birds are nesting and frogs are spawning, potentially destroying the natural habitat of the wildlife there.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated and we would ask that parents in the area assist us by educating their children on the serious dangers and consequences of starting fires.

“We are investigating these fires and would encourage anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone with information regarding the youths or anyone who witnessed the incidents is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency 101 number, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.