Police in Gwynedd South have today, Wednesday 24^th April, arrested a 16-year-old local youth in connection with the fire that burnt in Blaenau Ffestiniog across the Easter Bank holiday.

The youth has been arrested on suspicion of an aggravated offence of Arson, Causing a Public Nuisance and assaulting a Police Officer, and is currently being questioned at Caernarfon Police station.

Another man was arrested at the same time for obstructing police officers.

Insp Matt Geddes said: “The fire is being investigated as a deliberate and criminal act which put a number of family homes and businesses at risk, and caused the evacuation of tens of properties.”

“We are appealing for witnesses to come forward and notify the police of any information they have in respect of this incident, in order that those responsible can be brought to justice, and most importantly any further incidents that pose such a risk to the community can be prevented.”

Gavin Roberts, Senior Professional and Service Standards Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Deliberate grass fires put lives in danger – this incident tied up valuable resources for a considerable length of time, putting not only our firefighters but also local residents at risk.”

“It will take the fire and rescue service longer to respond to life risk emergencies like house fires, or road traffic collisions if they are already tied up tackling a deliberately set grass fire.

“Deliberate grass fires can severely damage our countryside and our environment, destroy wildlife and livestock and cost the Welsh economy millions of pounds each year.

“We are working closely with our Police colleagues to catch those who deliberately set fires and will support prosecutions.”

Anyone with information is urged to contacted North Wales Police on 101 or use the live webchat https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.