By Attack on WW2 boat
Doncaster officers from South Yorkshire Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a suspected arson attack on a boat in Sprotbrough Lock.
It is believed that the ‘Wyre Lady’, an 82-year-old vessel that was used during the Second World War was deliberately set alight on Wednesday 24 June.
The incident occurred between 18:00 and 18:30.
The incident happened at Sprotbrough Locks. The Trans Pennine Trail runs along the canal, and it is thought that someone on the Trail might have seen what happened.
Officers are keen to speak to any witnesses that were on the Trans Pennine Trail at Sprotbrough around the time of the incident that noticed anybody around the ‘Wyre Lady’, and any cars with dashcam footage from around the same time travelling along Mill Lane, Sprotbrough, over the River Don and the canal.
PC Josh Smith, investigating officer said:
“The Wyre Lady boat is an impressive vessel with incredible history.
“She was built in 1938 as a railway passenger ferry. In 1939 the then named ‘Ashton’ was requisitioned by the Royal Navy on the outbreak of the second world war.
“In 1978, The Wyre Lady was brought to Doncaster where she continued to trade having carried near on 2 million passengers over the course of her life.
“We are disappointed that someone would want to cause such damage and are urging anyone with information that could help our investigation to come forward.
“If you have any information that can help with our enquiries please call 101 quoting incident number 745 of 25 June 2020.”
Contact Gi Doncaster
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Follows us on Facebook for all the latest local stories, breaking news and to join the conversation
