Teen arrested in connection with fire at derelict Salisbury property

The blaze caused 'significant damage'

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 20th May 2021

Three fire crews and four police units were called to the scene on Bemerton Heath last Friday (14th May).

The blaze started in the garden of the property and spread to the roof.

Salisbury Police say "members of the Fire Service put themselves at risk to ensure the fire did not spread any further or pose a risk to people’s lives."

A teenager was arrested on suspicion of burglary and arson later that evening.

Meanwhile police say they've seen an increase in reports of anti social and criminal damage linked to young people in the Salisbury area.

Recent incidents include:

  • E-Scooters being ridden by teenagers in an anti-social manner.
  • Groups of underage teenagers drinking alcohol in public places late at night.
  • Off-road motorbikes being ridden unlawfully by children (without helmets) and nearly colliding with pedestrians.
  • Catapults being used to target windows, bus-stops, animals, and even peopl
  • Road-signs being damaged.

With the Covid-restrictions easing and the weather improving officers are asking parents to make sure they know where their children go when they leave the house.

In a post on social media Salisbury Police made this plea.

_"_We know it’s not all children acting in this way but don’t just rely on the Police to reprimand your children for their actions when they leave your home. By the time we hear about them it may be too late and they may have already hurt themselves or somebody else."

"If you don’t want them to get on the wrong side of the Police, teach them to be accountable for their actions and to explore their freedom in a way that isn’t a detriment to their community."