Police appeal after Manchester Arena attack memorial bench set alight in Sheffield
A community centre nearby was also badly damaged.
Last updated 18th Mar 2021
Police are appealing for information after a bench dedicated to a victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack was set alight in Sheffield.
It happened outside of a community centre on East Bank Road in Arbourthorne at around 5:40pm on Saturday.
The flames spread to the roof of the building - causing major damage. Officers are still trying to establish the circumstances around the fire and find those responsible.
PC Leigh Jenkinson from the Sheffield South East Neighbourhood team is leading the investigation.
He said: “We are committed to finding those responsible for this mindless act of vandalism, where a bench that had been dedicated to one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack was destroyed.
"The fire also caused extensive damage to the Arbourthorne centre, which members of the community regularly use."
"At this time we do not believe this to be a deliberate targeted act of damage to the bench, but nevertheless this has been extremely upsetting for the family and we want to ensure those responsible are found."
"We are keen to hear from anybody who may have information that could help the investigation to please get in touch.”