Update on boys, 15 and 16, arrested on suspicion of causing Anchorsholme Park blaze
Two boys arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze in Anchorsholme Park remain bailed.
The pair, aged 15 and 16, were arrested last month, two weeks after a blaze in the play area caused thousands of pounds in damage.
Fire crews were called to the scene at 12.32am on Sunday, December 28, and found the children’s play area ablaze around the children’s play ship.
The two boys were arrested on January 15 on suspicion of arson. Blackpool Council said its CCTV team worked closely with police, sharing footage from the park that proved crucial to the investigation.
They remain on bail while enquiries continue and police say no further arrests have been made.
Councillor Paul Galley said the damaged pirate play ship will most likely be demolished, with plans under discussion to replace it with new equipment.
A police spokesperson told the Gazette: “There have been no further arrests and the two boys previously arrested have been bailed whilst our enquiries continue.”
Last month, Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers visited the site with Coun Galley and described the damage as “devastating”. They said they would work together on plans to repair the play area and replace it with new equipment.
In a Facebook post, Ms Beavers said: “We have to turn this horrible thing that has happened into a positive, and build the park back better. We also agreed that we need to work together.
“It was devastating to see the damage that has been caused, and the impact this will have on our children locally.”
He said residents would be involved in choosing the design of the replacement play area, alongside improved lighting, and confirmed he remains in close contact with senior police officers over the investigation.
“The investigation is ongoing, with significant resources dedicated to it, and I will provide a further update as soon as I am able,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or email [email protected], quoting log number 40 of December 28.