Investigation launched after five suspected arson attacks

A Police investigation is underway after officers received reports of suspected deliberate fires at an industrial estate in Wigwam Lane, Hucknall, and, later, in Bestwood Village, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (16 November). 

Officers arrived at the scene at around 1.30 am and found three vehicles had been set alight.  The fire later spread into the yard surrounding the area causing further damage to vehicles and a building. 

A further two fires were reported a short time later at different areas within the industrial estate where another four vehicles were found alight and a skip was found burning. 

A number of officers quickly responded to the reports and, thankfully, with the help of the joint drone team, another fire was spotted in School Walk, Bestwood Village, which was able to be extinguished quickly.

A further fire in Bestwood Village was also discovered that involved construction machinery.

Officers are now looking to track down two men whom they believe may have information that will help them with their investigations. 

Both men are believed to be aged between 20 and 30, with one man described as wearing a dark jacket, jogging bottoms, and walking with a distinctive limp.  The second man was wearing a hooded gillet and grey jogging bottoms. 

The incidents are not thought to be linked to a large fire at a construction haulage yard in Wigwam Lane on Sunday (14 November) which is not believed to be suspicious following an investigation.

Detective Sergeant Matt Scott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are trying to track down two men who we believe may be able to help us with our investigations into these suspected arson attacks.  Thankfully, no one was injured during these fires, and, with the quick work by officers and working alongside Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, the fires were extinguished without hurting anyone. 

“We don’t believe that residents are under any threat but would like to reassure people that there will be an increased police presence as our inquiries continue.  But we would like to urge anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any information to come forward to help us with our investigations.”

Watch Manager Tim Marston of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Investigation Team said:  "A considerable amount of Police and Fire resources have been deployed as part of our joint investigations, including the use of our regional hydrocarbon detection dog and handler.  The fire investigations have now been completed and have concluded that these fires were started deliberately.  Our findings have been shared with our Police colleagues to assist with the ongoing investigations.

“Deliberate fires can have a significant impact on businesses, homes, communities, and the environment, even endangering life.  Businesses and residents can help protect themselves from deliberate fires by making sure that combustible items and rubbish are not stored against buildings.  We urge them to check their security precautions, such as the effectiveness and condition of perimeter fencing, gates, locks, CCTV, and lighting, and to park vehicles in a secure location.

"We would urge anyone who knows anything about these incidents to contact Nottinghamshire Police.” 

Anyone with any information can contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 22 of 16 November 2021.