Idiots set fire to South Molton clothes bank

The contents of a clothes bank in South Molton was destroyed after being set on fire. Emergency services were called to the Pannier Market at around 7.30pm yesterday evening (Monday, December 16).

Fire crews attended the scene and found the recycling clothes bank alight at the back of the market car park in Broad Street. They contacted police who have since launched an arson investigation.

Officers are appealing to the public for information on the fire. Officers are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time to get in touch.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called by the fire service to Pannier Market at South Molton at 7.45pm on 16 December, who were responding to reports of a clothing bin on fire.

"The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed but the cause is believed to be arson. Enquiries remain ongoing and we are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious, to please report it to us.

"Anyone who witnessed anything or has information or footage which may assist police, is asked to contact us on 101 or via our website quoting log 727 of 16 December."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service added: "Crews responded to calls of a fire to a recycling clothes bank to the rear of the Pannier Market in Broad Street, South Mouth, in the car park freestanding at around 7.30pm yesterday evening.

"The contents of the clothes bank were completely destroyed. The crew contacted the police via 101 due to concerns around people who appeared to be hanging around the area."