Fire destroys part of Old Vicarage in Humberston as residents evacuated

A fire has destroyed a two storey building at The Old Vicarage in Humberston which has been targeted by vandals for months.

A total of six fire appliances attended the scene as neighbours rushed to evacuate elderly residents concerned the fire could spread to adjoining properties. Neighbours described flames which were higher than the 60ft trees surrounding the property on Tetney Road. Fire broke out at around 9pm.

A Humberside Fire and Rescue Service statement said the two-storey brick building was totally destroyed by the fire, which is being treated as arson. Crews used three main lines, and two Thermal Image Cameras and drone imaging camera were also used. Engineers later disconnected gas and electricity supplies.

READ MORE: Traders gearing up for possibly the last Christmas in Grimsby Top Town Market Hall

READ MORE: 'Someone is going to be injured or killed' - warning over derelict vicarage

The cause of the fire is being investigated. It was unoccupied at the time.

Resident Laura Welsh said: "Kids have been going in and out of there for months causing vandalism and smashing it up. My husband saw the flames and I rang 999 and got round to all the elderly people who live near it . We were concerned about them. Everyone was out in the street. It was a big, big fire and the road was closed.”

Neighbour on Tetney Road, Rosalie Drakes said “There were six fire engines and the road was closed. The flames were higher than the trees. It was scary for the elderly ones. The fire brigade were brilliant.

"It is so sad because it was a beautiful building. But there are vandals going in and smashing it up. We are told by police not to approach them. They come on their bikes from all over and there are a few local ones."

She added: "I’m just glad no one was hurt. As a mother you don’t want anyone getting hurt by all the glass and smashed up windows.” Christina Craig said “It was frightening. The firemen were still there when I went to bed at midnight. I could still see them using lights until it was late. But it is such a neglected bit of land no one looks after it and it has all overgrown.”

A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: "Officers are currently investigating a reported arson after we were called to a property on fire on Tetney Road in Grimsby at around 9.55pm last night (Tuesday 12 November). Emergency services attended, and the fire was extinguished. Thankfully, there were no injuries sustained by anyone.

"Enquiries are currently ongoing as we look to identify those involved, and we continue to work closely with partnering agencies and the premises owners. If anyone was in the area around the time of the incident or has any information, CCTV or dash-cam footage that may assist with our enquiries, please call us on our non-emergency number 101 quoting log 518 of 12 November."