Increase In Arson Offences (park and wooded areas)

Dear Resident

At 14:30 hours on Saturday 25/04/2026 we received a report of three male youths (on pedal cycles) setting a fire in a small wooded area at the rear of Nelson Way, Grimsby. Upon arrival of police and the fire service it appears a wheelie bin full of grass cuttings was pushed against a large log of a felled tree and this was well alight. This was next to the river behind the green area on Nelson Way. The suspects had already left the area prior to police/fire arrival. The fire was soon extinguished.

A second fire was then attempted very soon after this in the wooded area at the rear of St.Nicholas Drive (known as the jumps, locally) and this was put out by officers who located the smouldering leaves and twigs. Both fires were well away from residential properties but with the dry weather and shrubbery around these areas the fire could easily have spread further.

There have also been three reported fires at Capes Recreation ground on Littlecoates Road in recent weeks where items of rubbish and leaves have been set alight. Needless to say, these incidents are of big concern and wasting valuable time and resources of the fire service who may be urgently needed elsewhere in an emergency situation.

These reckless actions from those involved could have devastating consequences, so if you know who is responsible then we need to know about it. There is a reporting system called FireStoppers where you can report those involved anonymously by calling 0800 169 5558 or report online via e-mail to firestoppersreport.co.uk. Alternatively, if you haver any information regarding the Nelson Way fire then please call 101 quoting log number 0277 25/04/2026.

Local officers will increase patrols in these locations and also work closely with the fire service. For any suspects identified, we will deal with them positively and also refer them to the fire service for education and awareness around the dangers of fire.

Regards

Yarborough ward,

Grimsby West Community Policing Team