'Despicable' arsonists torch police car in Pendle as officer took vulnerable person to hospital

Officers were called to Knotts Lane just before 1am today (Wednesday) to reports the vehicle had been damaged and deliberately set alight.

The car had been parked up while an officer helped escort a vulnerable member of the public to hospital.

Nobody has been arrested at this stage and the incident is being treated as arson. Police want to speak to two males in connection with the incident who can be seen approaching the vehicle, before vandalising it and setting it on fire.

Insp Andy Ainsworth, of Pendle Police, said: “This is a despicable and reckless crime which has resulted in serious damage being caused to a police car. Not only has it put a police vehicle permanently out of action, it will also leave the taxpayer with a significant bill to replace it.

“Not only is this crime selfish and disrespectful, it also left us with one less car to attend emergency incidents and keep people safe.

“I know the people of Pendle will be rightly appalled by this crime and I would ask anybody with information or mobile phone or dashcam footage which could assist us with identifying those responsible to contact the police straight away. We also want to hear from anybody who saw two males acting suspiciously in the area at that time.”

Anybody with information is asked to email [email protected] or call police on 101, quoting log 0051 of April 14, 2020. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.