Police make new arrest in hunt for South Wonston arsonist (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Police make new arrest in hunt for South Wonston arsonist
5:43pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Winchester
By Andrew Napier
The smouldering ruins on Saturday morning. Photo by Joseph Curtis
Winchester police today arrested a youth for suspected arson and released two teenagers detained for allegedly torching a barn at South Wonston.
The 16-year-old was arrested this morning by officers investigating the fire that wrecked a farm building laden with hay at Stainers Lane on Friday evening. Damage has been estimated at £100,000
The two 13-year-olds were arrested and initially bailed until November 19. They have now been told no further action will be taken, said a police spokeswoman this afternoon.
One of the boy’s mothers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had no problems with the police: “They acted with care. They had to do their job.
“The boys were put in a police cell for a long time which was a bit upsetting for them. I don’t think they will forget that in a hurry. But the police have done their job properly.
“They were arrested on suspicion of arson and they are not guilty of it,” she added.
The youth, who is from the Winchester area, has been released on bail to November 8.
