Two Apprentice Jockeys Die In Suspected Arson Attack

Police have  arrested a man following a fire that broke out in a block of flats at Norton, near Malton in the early hours of Saturday, which killed two people understood to be apprentice jockeys.

Two other men, in their early 20s, were taken hospital and are being treated for smoke inhalation and burns. One has since been released and the injuries of the other are not thought to be life-threatening, police said.

The victims have yet to be named, with the next of kin still to be informed.

Kevin Darley, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys' Association, told the Racing Post, "To lose two very talented young riders in these circumstances is tragic."

Haydock racecourse held a 30-second silence before the first race, whilst Thirsk held a minutes silence. and jockeys are set to wear black armbands during the race meeting.

Jockeys riding all of this afternoons meetings are wearing black armbands.

North Yorkshire Police issued the following statement on Saturday afternoon:-

"Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene of a serious fire in Buckrose Court, Norton, in Malton, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, 5th September.

"Two people have died as a result of the fire, although at this stage we are unable to give any indication of who the deceased are. The intensity of the fire has caused substantial structural damage to the building, including the stairwell, making it unsafe to enter. This has delayed the recovery operation and we are therefore still unable to confirm any further details of the deceased at this time.

"Two people remain unaccounted for, but until access is gained and a full search has been carried out, we are unable to confirm if there are any further casualties.

"Two men in their early twenties were taken to York District Hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns. One man has been discharged and the other remains in hospital, although his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

"A structural inspection has been carried out and we are currently mobilising the necessary equipment to gain access to the property. Crime scene investigators are working alongside colleagues from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to establish the exact cause of the fire.

"At present, the fire is being treated as suspicious and a local man in his thirties has been arrested and is currently assisting police with the investigation, although the inquiries are in the early stages and we are still unable to confirm the cause and circumstances of the fire.

"Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the fire and who saw anything suspicious, or anyone who has any information, to get in touch. Please contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."