27-05-2025
Police investigating alleged arson at much-loved York community project
Police are investigating an alleged arson at a much-loved York community project.
Vandals targeted The Foss Fairy Trail, located along the banks of the River Foss across from Huntington Road, over the weekend, organisers said on Monday (May 26).
On Tuesday, Sergeant Ben Ambler, from North Yorkshire Police's Community Safety Hub, confirmed that the incident is under investigation.
He said: 'We are working with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service following a number of reports of small outdoor fires believed to have been started deliberately in York over the last month, including at The Foss Fairy Trail.
"Our Neighbourhood Policing team is conducting patrols whilst enquiries are ongoing.'
Tracy Ostle, chair of the Foss Fairy Trail, told The Press on Monday that it is the 108th incident of vandalism since the trail was created four and a half years ago – and she said she was 'exhausted' by constantly repairing damage.
Read more: Foss Fairy Trail near Huntington Road targeted by vandals
Tracy said there was a 'massive fire' at the trail on Sunday, adding: 'We set up a pagoda for people, that had been ripped down and added to the fire, and so had a chalkboard we had put there for children to play on.
'After that, we went around a corner and there was another fire there. Our bug house had been kicked down, there was used needles on the floor, and massive logs that had been dragged there from somewhere else.'
Sgt Ambler urged anyone with information about the damage to contact North Yorkshire Police.
"If you witnessed anything, noticed anything suspicious, or have information that can assist our enquiries, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12250094113. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously via their website or on 0800 555 111,' he said.
Tracy is looking for donations of wet cement to fix some of the houses on the trail and compost to fill the pond – something that she is 'constantly trying to fix'. Those who can help are asked to email thefossfairytrail@ or contact the project on Facebook.
