Attempted Arson at Occupy Exeter

December 17, 2011

Early this morning occupiers in Exeter were attacked with fireworks.

Several fireworks were set off at 3am aimed at the camp situated on the Cathedral green. The fireworks narrowly missed tents, hitting the Cathedral wall.

Later at 3.30am another firework was thrown at a tent as its occupant slept. The camp’s Nightwatch team were able to respond immediately and alert the rest of the camp. The occupant was pulled from the smoke-filled tent by two other campers, with the tent suffering some burn damage. Another unlit firework was also recovered.

The recovered fireworks were large commercial display fireworks. One witness described hearing several male voices and the sound of several people running away immediately prior to the fireworks being set off.

Later in the night one member of the camp was assaulted, unprovoked, by a man who had previously been asked to leave due to several instances of disruptive behaviour and threats made towards other members of the camp.

Police were called and attended the scene. All occupiers are now safe and well.

 

By Bruce Chapman