Officers are reminding young people and parents about the dangers of exploring derelict buildings after a fire at a disused farmhouse in Swynnerton.
Emergency services were called to Hall Lane just before 6:30 pm on Sunday 19th May after reports that the building had been deliberately set alight. Witnesses saw two young men leaving the scene on bicycles shortly before the fire took hold.
Since then, police have been reviewing CCTV and speaking with local residents to build a clearer picture of what happened.
PC Craig Barnett, from the Stafford local policing team, said:
“We have been told by villagers that the location, which is very secluded and surrounded by fields, woodland and undergrowth, has recently become a gathering point for youths who use it to hang out and start fires.
After we offered crime prevention advice to the owner of the building they have started to demolish the site and install a fence, but we want to urge those using the area to stay away for their own safety and the safety of others.”
He added: “Gathering near to, or entering derelict or abandoned buildings, and setting fires on open land can be extremely dangerous and could lead to serious injury or death, and time in prison for those convicted.”
Police are also encouraging parents and carers to speak with their children about the risks.
Information appeal
Anyone who has information about the fire on Hall Lane is asked to contact the police, quoting incident number 537 of 19th May.
- Call 101 or use Live Chat on the Staffordshire Police website
- To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
- Anti-social behaviour can also be reported via 101 or Live Chat
