Appeal for information after wave of arson attacks on recycling boxes in Bickington, Fremington and Yelland

A spate of arson attacks on recycling bins in Bickington, Fremington and Yelland is being investigated by the police and North Devon Council.

Plastic boxes were reduced to ash at several locations prompting a flurry of reports from worried residents in what the council has described as a ‘disturbing incident’.

The attacks happened in the early hours of Saturday, January 6 and police have appealed for any information or ring doorbell/dashcam footage to be sent to them.

An NDC Facebook post said: “We're actively cooperating with the police to investigate and identify the culprits responsible for this dangerous act of vandalism.

“If you have any information or possess ring doorbell/car dash cam footage that could aid us, please contact the police online or by phone.”

Local district councillor Frank Biederman also posted: “We will be contacting the council, police and fire service to understand how we are going to catch the culprit/culprits before something much more serious happens.”

He asked anyone who needed new recycling materials to email him on frank.biederman@northdevon.gov.uk or to call 07595 988704.

Mr Biederman said he was aware of incidents at around 3am on the main road but that it would have taken some time to cover the distance involved.

If you have any information or CCTV footage that could help with the investigation, l please call the police on 101, quoting crime reference 50240004377, or go online at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us

Residents can also request new recycling materials online at https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/make-requests-and-report-issues