Three arrests as bonfire night investigation continues in city

We have arrested three boys as our investigation into the spate of criminal damage in Stoke-on-Trent on bonfire night continues.

Officers were called to a number of areas in Snow Hill, Shelton, between 8.45pm and 9.15pm on Sunday 5 November. Reports included a large group of masked youths deliberately causing damage to a number of buildings and vehicles.

At one point, the group smashed a window at the Hanley Masonic Hall and threw a firework inside, which ignited and set fire.

Our colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service also attended and extinguished the fire. Luckily, no one was inside at the time and no one was injured.

Earlier this week (14 November), we arrested three 16-year-old boys, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of arson and criminal damage.

All have been questioned in custody and released under conditional police bail while enquiries continue.

We would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information and those who have spoken with officers in the area as part of our investigation. We’re still keen to speak to anyone who might have information, particularly those with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage of the area at the time.

Call us on 101, quoting incident 696 of 5 November, or message us using Live Chat on our website.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.