Appeal Following Fire

📣 Wantage & Grove NHPT 📣

Despite repeated warnings regarding the dangers of wildfires, we have sadly seen another significant grass fire in our area, this time extremely close to residential properties in Grove.

🔥 Appeal for Information - Suspected Arson 🔥
Occurrence Number: 43260426186
Crime Type: Arson
Date: 16/08/2026
Time: 22:42hrs
Location: Field near Tozer Way / Armstrong Avenue, Grove

Wantage Neighbourhood Policing Team is appealing for information following a suspected deliberate fire in a field adjacent to Armstrong Avenue, Grove.

The fire affected an area of grassland and hedgerow measuring approximately 50m x 50m and required attendance from the Fire Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze. 
Given the dry conditions and proximity to nearby homes, this incident had the potential to be far more serious.

Prior to the fire being reported, a number of youths were seen acting in an anti-social manner on Byron Avenue. 
At around 10:00pm, a male riding a silver moped, a male riding a dark coloured moped, and another child were seen travelling from Byron Avenue towards Armstrong Avenue, in the direction of where the fire was later discovered.

We are keen to identify the individuals on the mopeds and speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist our investigation.
Local residents may recognise those involved, and we would also like to hear from any youths who were in the area and may have seen events leading up to the fire.

⚠️ Wildfires can spread rapidly, endanger lives, destroy habitats and pose a significant risk to nearby homes and businesses. We urge everyone to take these warnings seriously and help protect our community.
📞 If you have any information, please contact Thames Valley Police quoting Occurrence 43260426186.