Evacuated residents allowed to return to flats after Doncaster fire shock

We are trying to find who is responsible for the incident on King Street on May 4. Residents living in the flats above the shops were initially evacuated, but have been able to return now. It is an ongoing CID investigation.

We carried out a drugs raid on the Willow estate, Thorne, on April 13, at Willow Grove. We found no drugs, but we did find seven knives, which were confiscated. But we did find drugs in a raid on Coulman Street the same day – 1,700 plants in an industrial unit, worth around £1million. Three men were arrested and remanded in custody.

There has been ongoing work to tackle antisocial behaviour on the Willow estate. We recently searched allotments, at the back of the estate, where antisocial behaviour has been reported.

There have been reports of youths using sheds there to take cannabis, and intelligence suggested they carried knives.

We carried out a search of the area but found no knives hidden there, which we are taking as good news.

The owners of the allotments are looking to make changes to make it more difficult for youths to behave antisocially there.

It has not just been Thorne where antisocial behaviour has been an issue.

There have also been complaints about nuisance youths at the Glass Park and Dentons Green Park, Kirk Sandall, and around Thorncliffe Drive, Stainforth.

In Kirk Sandall, large groups have been gathering, against the Covid rules. Residents have been upset by their behaviour, and we have run operations with Doncaster Council. Antisocial behaviour letters have been sent to some children. We are also working with schools to educate them on how their behaviour affects others, and possible consequences.

In Stainforth, PSCOs are working with residents and schools to look at CCTV and identify those involved. Some are primary school age.

Finally, a woman in her late 60s has now been charged with aggravated harrassment, over abuse directed at a gay neighbour in Armthorpe.

She had been arrested last month, but committed further offences and is due in court later this month. She has a bail condition not to live at her usual address.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.