Two teens arrested after ‘arson attacks’

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson following fires at two Worksop businesses.

Police were called to Deja Vu Café in Bridge Place at 3.45am on Monday following reports of a fire.

A 24-year-old man was rescued from the first floor of the building by the fire service, and received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation. No one else was injured.

At 6.17am that morning police attended reports of a fire at Papa’s Fish and Chip Shop on High Hoe Road.

There was no one in the building at the time of the fire and no one injured. Fire crews spent 30 minutes putting out the blaze.

Owner Sid Papas said that the damage was mainly to the takeaway area and appeared to be ‘superficial’.

He added: “We are hoping to re-open as soon as possible.”

“We would like to thank our loyal customers for their support and for making this situation more bearable. We also apologise to them for any inconvenience this has caused.”

Two local teens, aged 18 and 15, were arrested in connection with the fires and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

PC Ricci Skelton said: “It’s hard enough to run a small business these days without having to worry about something like this happening.”

“It’s no small financial feat to have to shut up shop and restore furnishings and equipment following smoke and fire damage of this nature.”

“We are linking the incidents and, despite the arrests, our investigations continue. We would urge anyone with any information to get in touch with us.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call PC Skelton at Retford CID on 101, extension 807 7477 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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