September 3, 2016 7.03 pm This story is over 89 months old

Youth centre arson has “devastated and upset” community, says Lincoln inspector

A Lincoln community police inspector has appealed for witnesses to a fire which completely destroyed a popular and well-used youth centre. Inspector Pat Coates confirmed that the fire at the St Giles Youth Centre in Lincoln was caused deliberately, and said that the community was understandably “upset and devastated”. As previously reported, emergency services received…

A Lincoln community police inspector has appealed for witnesses to a fire which completely destroyed a popular and well-used youth centre.

Inspector Pat Coates confirmed that the fire at the St Giles Youth Centre in Lincoln was caused deliberately, and said that the community was understandably “upset and devastated”.

As previously reported, emergency services received calls that the building was on fire at around 10.30pm on Friday, September 2, with firefighters putting out the blaze well into the early hours of Saturday morning.

No arrests have yet been made and the force is appealing for anyone with information to call 101.

Inspector Pat Coates, the Lincoln Centre Neighboroughood Policing Inspector. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Inspector Pat Coates, the Lincoln Centre Neighboroughood Policing Inspector. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Inspector Coates told The Lincolnite: “The fire has been confirmed as arson and forensic teams are examining the scene of the crime.

“We’re appealing for witnesses to come forward if they saw any suspicious activity. Officers have been going round the estate house to house to help track down those responsible.

“We don’t have any direct witnesses at the moment who saw the fire started so that makes it even more important that those with information get in touch with us.

“It’s been difficult to take for the community and groups who use the centre. They are upset and devastated by the fire.

“We’ve used the facility ourselves for community engagement events and to meet young people so we know the value of the building.

“We’ll be working hard with partners and the county council to help those affected by the fire.”