Arson probe after deliberate fires started at Hartlepool’s Summerhill Country Park

Staff contacted the fire service after the rear of the boulder area in the park was set alight at around 4.20pm.

Cleveland Fire Brigade have said that around 30sq metres of grass was on fire, with a second blaze at the same stretch of land reported at 6.30pm.

Fire crews remained on the scene for around 30 minutes.

Both incidents are being treated as arson and police have been informed.

Hartlepool Borough Council has said it is “determined” to tackle the issue and have urged anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police.

A council spokesperson said: “The setting of deliberate fires at Summerhill Country Park is an on-going problem.

"There is absolutely no excuse for such behaviour and the wanton destruction it causes - the fires have a devastating effect on the natural habitats that support a rich mix of plants and wildlife across the site.

“We are determined to tackle this issue, but we need members of the public to help us by acting as our eyes and ears.

“We would urge anyone with information about fires at Summerhill – or if they see anyone acting suspiciously when visiting – to contact the police immediately on 101.”

A spate of similar blazes occurred 12 months ago at the park following the onset of the lighter nights.

As much as 900 square metres of grassland, inhabited by ground nesting birds and other wildlife, was destroyed in a fire at the park in March 2021.

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