Firefighters at work
North Yorkshire Police have released a
statement praising the local community for their understanding.
Inspector Mark Gee of Richmond Police said:
I was at the scene of the fire and liaised closely with the fire and rescue service and the local community. I am very grateful for the community’s patience and understanding as the emergency services dealt with the fire. It was a busy market day and many people were shopping or visiting the town. Everyone was very understanding and supportive of all the emergency services at the scene, despite the road closures, diversions and the disruption caused to them. I would like to thank them all for their support and patience.”
The fire was reported to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at around 5.11am on Saturday 6 June 2015 and has caused substantial damage to commercial premises in the street, including the Red Cross shop, Urban Spa and Beauty, Tasty Macs and the Oxfam shop.
No-one was injured in the fire but the damage will have a significant impact on the local businesses with repairs estimated to be hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Police are asking anyone who has any information about the fire to contact them if they have not already come forward.
Anyone with any information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Detective Constable Andy Palmer of Northallerton Serious Crime Team. Or email Andrew.palmer@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12150094257 when passing on information.
The 18-year-old local man arrested in Richmond on Saturday evening and remains in police custody while the investigation continues.