A York library was closed today (Monday) following an arson attack.
We reported yesterday that police were investigating a fire at a premises on Bad Bargain Lane in Tang Hall.
Today it was confirmed that the fire had been started deliberately in the toilets at the Tang Hall Explore Library in The Centre @ Burnholme.
The library was closed all day today by what an Explore York spokesperson described as “damaged caused by serious vandalism”.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called by the fire service at just before 2.30pm on Sunday (14 April) to reports of a fire at a library in Tang Hall.
“A fire was started in the toilets but thankfully it didn’t spread to any other part of the building.
“We are treating the fire as suspicious and are working with the fire service to establish how the fire was started and who was responsible.”
In a post on Facebook, police added: “On Sunday two males have entered the library on Fourth Avenue. They have set fire to the toilet roll dispenser , which has melted causing damage to the toilets.
“The smell of the burnt plastic has seeped into the building and the nursery causing them to close while a deep clean is carried out.
“Besides the damage caused, there is upset to the staff and customers who have had their events cancelled.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number 12240064947.
Today, the library posted on its website: “Thank you to all of you for your patience and extremely kind and lovely words of support following the closure of Tang Hall Library on Monday.
“Unfortunately, a small fire was set deliberately in the ground floor public toilets.
“The extent of the damage sadly means that this area will remain out of bounds until we have fully cleaned up and repaired the significant damage.”
They are planning to reopen the library tomorrow. However, the only public toilets will be on the first floor.
However, customers can use the public toilets at the sports centre to the rear of the library.
The message continued: “We are really sorry for the inconvenience this will cause and we will keep you posted as the repairs continue.
“In the meantime, thanks again for your patience and for all of your kind words of support – they mean an awful lot to us at this time.”