Man arrested within minutes of car exploding after it was set on fire in Worksop

Officers were called to Godfrey’s Court in Worksop just before 9.45pm on Sunday October 31.

Fire crews dealt with the blaze, with fears it could spread to another car parked next to it.

About 10 minutes later police officers spotted a cyclist who tried to evade them before he was stopped off Dock Road and arrested.

A 27-year-old man is being questioned on suspicion of arson and remains in custody.

The latest arrest comes after seven people were detained last month as part of wider police investigation into a spate of incidents in the Worksop area over the last couple of months where cars were badly damaged or destroyed.

Six boys, aged 13, 14, 15, 15, 15 and 16, plus an 18-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arsons and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.

Police made three further arrests in July - a 29-year-old man and two boys aged 16 and 15 - in connection with a Porsche being set on fire in Talbot Road on July 4. The Porsche and an Audi parked near it were both damaged in the blaze.

An 18-year-old man was also arrested when two police cars were set on fire in Worksop in June. He was subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Emma Dalton, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are pleased to have made another arrest as part of our wider investigations into a series of car fires in Worksop.

“Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident but the fire could have had far more serious consequences if it had continued.

“Reckless and dangerous behaviour such as this will not be tolerated and we will continue to work relentlessly to ensure appropriate action is taken against those responsible for this type of serious offending.”

Enquiries into the car fire remain ongoing. Detectives are urging anyone who may have witnessed something suspicious in the area on Sunday night to get in touch with them.

Anyone with any information should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 927 of October 31, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.