Boy, 10, among four arrests over fire at former Worksop vets

Police have made four arrests following a fire at a former veterinary clinic in Worksop.

Five fire crews and an aerial ladder were deployed to the derelict St Anne’s Veterinary Centre in Newcastle Avenue at about 19:30 BST on Monday.

Nottinghamshire Police said two girls, aged 13 and 15, and a 44-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life and remain in police custody, while a 10-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of the same offence has been released on police bail.

The force said it had been investigating a spate of fires starting in open spaces in Worksop over the last few weeks.

Grassland and trees on Kilton Forest Golf Course, Blyth Road, were set on fire on separate occasions on 7, 9, 12 and 13 May, while playground equipment at Prospect Park, Northwood, was damaged on 12 May, said police.

Two suspects remain on bail over these offences, said the force.

Bassetlaw Insp Robert Harrison said the incidents had the “potential to spiral out of control”.

He added: “Understandably they have caused a degree of local concern, and we hope this quick action shows how dedicated we are to keeping Worksop safe.”

Bassetlaw MP Jo White said: “I welcome that the police and fire service are working closely together, sharing information that they are gathering when they are being called out to these fires.

“I also met with the minister for fire this morning and raised the severity of these incidents.”

The fire on Monday was brought under control with crews leaving the scene just before 00:00.

The brigade said it would be returning to carry out an investigation into the cause of the fire.

No injuries were reported.