A serious fire at an Indian restaurant in Epworth earlier this month is now being treated as arson by Humberside Police.
A local resident called firefighters just after 1am on December 8 due to a fire at The Curry Leaf on Epworth High Street and crews remained at the scene for several hours.
Severe damage was caused to the restaurant and flat above after a damaged gas pipe supply had caught fire and a joint investigation between Humberside Fire & Rescue and Humberside Police was launched.
Fortunately no one was injured, but the building was well alight and residents from neighbouring properties had to evacuate, police said.
Severe damage was caused to the restaurant and flat above. | Photo: Humberside Fire & Rescue
Humberside Police said: “We are investigating the circumstances which led to this fire. As part of this investigation, we are appealing for witnesses to the incident itself to contact us, but also urging people who saw anyone acting suspiciously around the area to call us.
“The incident is being treated as a case of arson and are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to call us on our non-emergency number 101 quoting incident number 16/123841/20.”
Around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze. | Photo: Humberside Fire & Rescue
Firefighters were at the scene for several hours. | Photo: The Curry Leaf
The Curry Leaf posted on social media to thank the local community for its overwhelming support since the incident.
It said: “We love you Epworth. We couldn’t ask for a better community to be part of. The love you have all shown us has been overwhelming.
“We have had so many messages of support and people even offering to help come and clean up and it means so much to Omar (Farooque).
“Curry Leaf is Omar’s pride and joy and we all feel totally devastated for him. It really is so unbelievable to see the amount of damage that has been done.
“We will be back and we will be back bigger and better than before.
“Omar and his team would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the emergency services who attended Curry Leaf – Epworth Fire Station, Humberside Fire & Rescue Service, thank you.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.