Hunt for youths seen before Newport arson attack
Two youths were seen near the Parish Rooms in Newport shortly before a fire ripped through the building, police said this afternoon.
Two youths were seen near the Parish Rooms in Newport shortly before a fire ripped through the building, police said this afternoon.
Officers now want to speak to the pair who may hold vital information about the fire which wrecked the community hall last Sunday.
Investigations into the blaze at St Nicholas Church Parish Rooms, in New Street, are ongoing after arsonists are believed to have broken into the back of the building.
They set fire to piles of books belonging to the Newport Male Voice Choir. The blaze happened at around 2.30am.
Police spokesman Chris Ammonds said the two youths may not be connected to the fire.
He said: "A witness has reported that two youths were seen near to the parish rooms around the time that the fire started and we would be keen to speak to them."
The people of Newport have rallied around community groups left homeless.
More than 20 organisations, including Newport Male Voice Choir and Newport & District Disabled Club, have been left without a meeting place.
The blaze caused tens of thousands pounds of damage, but offers of help have started to pour in for the affected groups.
Newport Male Voice Choir lost song sheets and two of its expensive electric pianos were badly smoke damaged.
But Trinity Church has offered to house choir practices and Dalens Singers, another Newport choir, have offered the use of a piano.
The English Male Voice Choice Association has also said it will put on concerts to help raise funds.
Newport Male Voice Choir chairman David Tooth said: "It just shows there is a community spirit out there."
The show will go on for the choir, which will continue practising for its Olympic-themed concert at the Cosy Hall on July 7, 7.30pm. Tickets are available from The Kabin in Stafford Street car park.
Newport Indoor Bowling Club lost six sets of bowls, worth about £600.
See also:
Police hunt for arsonists who wrecked Newport hall
Newport choir loses £28,000 as arsonists torch hall
Arson attack suspected at Newport hall
