Fairy trail up in flames as vandals strike again

A bug house on the Foss Fairy Trail in York was found engulfed in flames on Sunday

Arsonists have struck at a popular fairy trail in York - destroying a wooden shelter for insects in the latest attack to hit the family attraction.

Emergency services were called to the Foss Fairy Trail on Sunday afternoon after one of the bug hotels in the woodland area was set on fire.

Trail founder Tracy Ostle said her team of volunteers was now hoping local traders could help them rebuild.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Those responsible have caused a great deal of anger and upset."

The free trail in Heworth was set up in 2021 to add "a little bit of magic" along the river bank.

It features colourful fairy houses, charms and wind chimes and hosts several events and workshops throughout the year.

However, Ms Ostle said it had been frequently targeted by vandals and, to date, they had reported 100 incidents to the police.

She said Sunday's fire was "the worst thing we've had".

"I'm just so worried - it could've been a lot worse," she told BBC Radio York.

"[The bug house], it's gone, it's just a fire pit, which is so sad. I just hope there were no hedgehogs in it."

The bug hotel before it was set on fire on Sunday

Ms Ostle said she initially thought the fire had been an accident, caused by someone dropping a cigarette, but said upon closer inspection, the damage looked deliberate.

She added: "It's so sad, it was all looking so lovely on Saturday."

Ms Ostle is now hoping to find local traders who could provide the materials to rebuild the bug house "in a different way, so it can't be set alight".

North Yorkshire Police said a neighbourhood policing team would patrol the area while inquiries continued.

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