Police renew appeal for help over suspicious fires
Police yesterday renewed their appeal for help from the community in cracking a string of at least six suspicious fires over the past two weeks in the Pembroke and central region of the island.
Acting Inspector Clifford Roberts, speaking in front of a charred truck along Parsons Road in Pembroke, said the incidents “which date back two weeks at least are very serious”.
A team of at least four officers has been dedicated to investigating the fires, which have mainly targeted vehicles.
Mr Roberts confirmed that a fire extinguished on Tuesday in the pump room of a Peat Lane, Pembroke home was the first found at a “structural premises”.
But he declined to state if the house itself had been specifically targeted.
“We don’t want to rule out anything,” Mr Roberts said. “Whether they are linked, we do not know officially at this time. All the incidents have been deemed suspicious.”
They include a March 11 incident on Rambling Lane, Pembroke, in which a car and five motorcycles were destroyed by fire.
Mr Roberts said he had grown up in the community hit by many of the fires.
“Because of the serious concerns in the community at large, obviously we are not happy – we are doing great endeavours to bring this to an end.”
The investigation includes patrols and liaising with the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services.
But Mr Roberts added: “We’re asking the general public, please, if you know anything, come forward and provide information to assist us.”
The Criminal Investigations Unit can be reached at 247-1744.
The public can call 211 or the main police line, 295-0011.
The independent, confidential Crime Stoppers number can also be reached at 800-TIPS (8477)