UPDATE FOLLOWING FIRE AT ETCHING HILL MOUNT

We have made three arrests after a rapid investigation into a woodland fire in the Rugeley area. 

We were called to a report of a wildfire in woodland off Bower Lane in Etching Hill at around 4:15pm today (30 July). 

The fire has been brought under control by fire crews that attended. Following an inspection of the fire, it was identified that the fire was deliberate using pieces of wood set alight and then thrown into woodland. 

Inspector Stephen Windridge, local operational inspector, said: “I would like to express my thanks to local residents who helped us identify the suspects and their movements early on through home CCTV. This has led to the arrest of three suspects who are now in custody for questioning.”

Three boys, aged 12, 13 and 14, and all from the Rugeley area, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. 

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has CCTV or dashcam from the local area at that time are asked to contact us via our website live chat quoting incident number 583 of 30 July.