Councillor Condemns Suspected Arson At Ryde Town Hall

An Isle of Wight councillor has condemned what he said appears to be a ‘disgusting criminal act’ against the ‘good people of Ryde’ in response to suspected arson at Ryde Town Hall.

Ryde North West’s new Reform UK representative Reuben Loake said he held a meeting with council officers yesterday morning (Thursday, August 27) and escalated the matter to Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service suspect arson as the cause of last night’s fire at Ryde Town Hall and police have said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Cllr Loake said: “The whole town was devastated on receiving the news that the Town Hall had been partially destroyed by a fire in the early hours of Thursday.

“Initially it appears to be arson, and a group of youths were seen entering and leaving the building prior to and during the incident.

“I want to pay particular tribute to the retained fire fighters who put out the blaze early this morning without whom the damage would have been much, much worse.

“I held a meeting with council officers this morning both at their offices and on site to ensure measures are put in place as a matter of urgency to ensure entry to the building is blocked off and that windows and doors that have been damaged are secured.

“I have also escalated this matter to the Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones as well as Joe Robertson MP, asking for support from the police to ensure there is a swift investigation into what appears to be a disgusting criminal act against the good people of Ryde.”

In an update this afternoon, Cllr Loake said police are now investigating this as a ‘matter of urgency’ using specialist officers.

“Regular patrols in the area are now active and the council is taking steps to secure the building in conjunction with the owner,” he added.