Narrowboat fire

Buy photos » Arsonists caused £40,000 damage to this narrowboat when they torched it. 05.012.014.sol.nc1

THE HUNT is on for arsonists who set fire to a narrowboat on the Stratford Canal near the Drawbridge Pub in Shirley.

The boat was broken into between midnight and 12.30am on Thursday, January 19 and a fire was started in the bedroom which destroyed the interior of the 62ft boat causing £40,000 damage.

Several items were also stolen including a suitcase generator worth £600, an old starter/charger worth £250 and a security box containing 24 sovereign coins.

Police are now on the hunt for those responsible and are appealing for anyone with information to call PC Andy Freeman at West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 quoting incident 11-s-190112 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

It is believed a vehicle is likely to have been used because of the heavy nature of the items stolen.