A vital community facility in Scarborough has been left with an estimated £3,000 worth of damage following a deliberate fire on Sunday afternoon.
A vital community hub is facing an estimated £3,000 repair bill after being targeted in an arson attack.
Flames broke out at the Gallows Close Community Centre in Scarborough on the afternoon of Sunday the 20th of September 2026.
Quick action from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service meant the blaze was extinguished swiftly. Firefighters were called to the scene just after 2:53 pm and successfully restricted the spread of the flames, saving the property from total destruction.
Despite the fast emergency response limiting the physical destruction, the financial toll of putting the damage right remains significant for the local facility, which hosts breakfast clubs and support groups for residents.
An initial police investigation is now underway to identify those responsible for starting the deliberate fire.
PC Sophie Milner, from Scarborough’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, highlighted the severe impact the crime has on the local area.
PC Sophie Milner said:
"The community centre is more than just bricks and mortar, it has been an integral part of the community for years. With breakfast clubs, facilities for support groups, our Community Connection events and so much more, it is lucky that the fire damage was limited so quickly. However, the financial impact on the centre is estimated to be around £3000 to put the damage right."
Officers are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation. Residents can contact PC Milner directly via email: Sophie.Milner@northyorkshire.police.uk , by calling 101 or by sending an email to the neighbourhood policing team.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Additionally, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging the public to use the FireStoppers service. This dedicated hotline allows individuals who have knowledge about deliberate fire-setting to report it on 0800 169 5558 without having to speak directly to the emergency services.
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