Police appeal after ‘deliberate’ barn fire near Louth

It comes as there were four separate arson/suspicious behaviour incidents which all took place on the same evening.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “We are appealing for information following several arsons and suspicious incidents across the Wolds, reported to us on Friday (August 15).

“The incidents are:

• Several recycling bins burnt on Chapel Lane, Scamblesby. (Incident 562 of August 15 refers).

• Bins set alight at Upper Glebe Farm, Fulletby, near Horncastle. (Incident 564 of August 15 refers).

• Males seen getting out of a van and approaching a bale stack while holding canisters, at around 9pm, in Bridge Road, Somersby. (Incident 522 of August 15 refers).

• Deliberate ignition of a farm barn containing hay bales, at Covenham Road, Yarburgh, at around 10.30pm. (Incident 580 of August 15 refers).

Insp Constantine said: “There is an ongoing investigation into all of the incidents, and we would appreciate any information in relation to these.”

If you have any information, call 101 quoting the relevant crime reference number or email [email protected] quoting the relevant crime reference number in the subject line of your email.

Further details regarding the Yarburgh incident have been provided by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

Both Louth fire crews were dispatched to the scene at 10.22pm on August 15, and crews from North Somercoates and Spilsbythen provided relief cover the following day.

According to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, firefighters made steady progress in controlling the fire and there was severe damage to a 10m x 5m bar, approximately 50 haybales, one trailer and one forklift.

Relief crews left the scene at around 4.39pm on Sunday, August 16 and the incident was handed over to the owner with a planned reinspection from firefighters for later that day.

Insp Constantine has also appealed for members of the public to continue to report any incidents to Lincolnshire Police by calling 111 - or 999 in an emergency. Insp Constantine said: “I would ask that matters are reported to us at the time directly via 101.

“There may be a delay if there is a high volume of calls to the police at that particular time but we do try and answer the phone as quickly as possible.

“Extra staff have been brought in to assist as we have been experiencing a higher volume of calls than normal – so please do persevere.

“Response officers and Neighbourhood Policing teams are regularly on patrol in the Wolds wider policing area at all hours of day and night, and we have worked and continue to work very hard to deal with any ASB issues.

“Officers where available will be deployed to deal with reports of ASB at the time they are reported.”

Insp Constantine also referred to cases of bad driving in Louth and the wider area.

Earlier this month, the Leader heard from concerned Kidgate and Aswell Street residents who claimed boy racers were making their lives a misery.

Insp Constantine added: “In relation to issues of bad driving, I would ask the public to provide as much information to us including the vehicle registration numbers.

“Your local policing team do understand how upsetting these issues are and we are very much part of your community and share your concern about those individuals who have little regard for everyone else.”