Fresh appeal after beach huts arson attack

Police have renewed their appeal for information into arson attacks which caused more than £30,000 damage at a Dawlish beach.

Eight beach huts at Coryton Cove were destroyed after being set alight in the early hours of Wednesday 16 September.

The fire spread and gutted a nearby boat while two benches were also wrecked by fire in a separate incident within a day of the attack.

Officers are continuing their enquiries into the arson attacks and appealing for the public’s help with the investigation.

PC Ray Faichney, neighbourhood beat Manager for Dawlish, said a number of people had been spoken to in connection with the attack so far.

“This enquiry remains open and we are keen to hear from anybody who may have information that leads to the conviction of those responsible,” he said.

“The arson attacks on the huts, boat and benches have had a significant impact on their owners as well as the rest of the community.

“I would hope that anybody who knows who did this or has any information that may help, no matter how small, will feel able to come forward. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if they wish.”

Teignbridge District Council owns the beach huts which were completely gutted by the fire.

Rob Kingdon, the council’s antisocial behaviour officer, said: “The deliberate ongoing vandalism in this area is extremely frustrating, not only for Teignbridge District Council as owners but also residents and visitors who enjoy going to Coryton Cove.

“We take all incidents of vandalism and antisocial behaviour seriously and would urge anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers.”

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time of the offence or has information which could assist is asked to contact police on 101 or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/065040/15.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or via crimestoppers-uk.org