Appeal for information following arson in Chippenham

Officers investigating a suspected arson at a derelict cottage in Chippenham are appealing for information.

The fire service were called to the cottage in Wood Lane at approximately 4pm on April 3 following reports that smoke was coming from the building.

Following enquiries it was established that the fire had been started deliberately in a first floor room of the property and had caused significant damage. It appears that there have been multiple fires at the address however, only this one had spread and caused extensive damage.

A group of youths were seen by local residents climbing over a low wall to access the property around the time of the incident and using scaffolding to climb through a first floor window.

We are keen to identify these individuals and would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch.

We would also like to urge parents to ensure their children are aware of the dangers of entering properties like this – the building is unsafe and incidents of this nature have the potential to cause serious harm, especially given the building's proximity to other homes.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54240038017.

Alternatively, call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.