Chiefs rule out arson attacks link

Fire chiefs have ruled out a link between two arson attacks on popular buildings used by the public in Shropshire.A fire, believed to have been started deliberately, ravaged a folly at Hawkstone Park, near Market Drayton, on Saturday evening.

The park's reception and shop areas were also vandalised in the attack, and a footbridge and bench within the follies set alight, causing an estimated £100,000 of damage in total.

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The fire comes less than two months after a suspected arson attack gutted The Waggoners Inn at Whixall.

A blaze ripped through the disused pub during the early hours of January 7.

It wrecked plans for the pub to be sold to a Whixall couple who then aimed to reopen it as a village watering hole.

The cricket pavilion at Norton-in-Hales was also damaged in a fire the same day, although investigations concluded that the blaze was caused by an electrical fault.

Station Officer John Harrison, from Shrewsbury fire station, today said that they had found no link between the two suspected arson attacks.

"There is nothing at all to link the fire at Hawkstone Park with the Waggoners fire.

"There is quite a big distance between the two, so I don't think the public should be concerned."

The fire at Hawkstone Park was discovered at about 9.30pm.

A crew from Hodnet tackled the blaze, then returned early on Sunday morning when the building was still smouldering.

About 100m of undergrowth was also destroyed in the blaze.

The folly contained electrical equipment used for a display, informing visitors about the history of the follies.

Police were called to the scene and a search for offenders was carried out, although no-one was found.

Detective Inspector Michael Homden, of Shrewsbury CID, appealed for anyone who saw people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area, perhaps running or driving off at speed, to contact police on 08457 444888.

"A huge amount of damage has been caused to the premises, estimated to be at least £100,000," he said.

"If you have information but do not feel comfortable talking to police, you are asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, where a reward is sometimes offered for information," he said.

Fire damage at the Hermitage Folly at Hawkstone Park

Fire damage on the Swiss Bridge at Hawkstone Park

An estimated £100,000 damage was caused in the

Hawkstone Park attack

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 08457 444888

or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

Head park warden Roger Whitehouse at the entrance to Hermitage Folly