Fundraiser launched after deliberate fire causes £10,000 damage at Edinburgh community centre

A crowdfunder has been launched after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused at a youth centre in the Capital.

Between 8.30pm and 9pm on Friday (Janaury 15), a wheelie bin was placed against a shipping container at Venchie Children and Young People’s Project on Niddrie Mains Terrace and set alight.

The container caught fire and the contents were destroyed. The items included clothes, food and playground equipment and were estimated to be worth almost £10,000.

A gofundme page has since been launched to replace the damaged goods which has raised £1,240 of its £200 target so far.

Venchie Children and Young People’s Project in Niddrie Mains Terrace picture: Google Images

Officers are treating the fire as wilful and are appealing for information about three teenagers who were seen in the area at the time of the incident.

One has been described as a white, male, about 15 to 16 years old, slim build with short light brown hair who was seen wearing a dark puffer jacket with hood, light coloured trousers and trainers.

The second is female, about 15 to 16 years old, medium build with long blonde hair. She was wearing a dark body warmer over a light coloured jumper, light coloured trousers and shoes. She was also carrying a dark handbag.

The third has also been described as a white female, about 15 to 16 years old, slim build with long blonde hair. She was wearing a dark jacket and light coloured trousers and shoes.

Constable Gareth Deering, of Craigmillar Police Station, said: “This completely reckless act has resulted in key equipment provided for children and young people in the community being destroyed.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or three teenagers matching this description.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended to assist with the incident.

Nobody was injured during the fire.

To donate to the crowdfunder click here.

The Venchie provides children and young people in Niddrie with a range of play, recreation and issue-based youth work through activities including breakfast and after school club, day trips, drama club and other events.

The centre and its volunteers have been noted for their efforts in delivering food to those in need during the lockdown.

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