A £5,000 reward has been offered by the owners of Larch Cottage Nurseries, after a suspected arson attack destroyed the business’s original potting shed at Melkinthorpe in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Fire crews were called at around 3:05am on Wednesday, 15 October, after reports of a fire on the site. Firefighters were in attendance for approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The building where the business first began 40 years ago was completely destroyed in the fire.
In a statement, owners said:
“Last night we were sadly the target of a deliberate arson attack. The original potting shed where the business started, and more recently used by our children as their sheep shed and storage for their bikes and toys, was burnt to the ground. Thankfully no one was hurt, but such a sad way to conclude our 40th year. We would like to thank the fire brigade and especially our neighbours for their swift action last night. We would also be grateful for any information to help solve this senseless attack.”
CCTV footage has shown two individuals lighting the shed and a nearby caravan at 2:14am, before leaving the scene at 2:18am via a public footpath and nearby fields.
The family are appealing for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or vehicles travelling along the Clifton Dykes to Cliburn road (C3047) around that time to contact them or the police.
“Please help and come forward with any information to get these people convicted,” the family added. “They are dangerous and don’t realise the full consequences of their actions. This is having a massive effect on our small community and our children.”
Cumbria Police confirmed the incident is being treated as a suspected arson, and enquiries are ongoing.
Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 8 of 15 October 2025, or call 101.
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