Riverside fairy trail hit by 'biggest attack' yet

A fairy trail in York has been hit by the "biggest attack" in the family attraction's history, its founder said.

Multiple fires had destroyed various structures on the Foss Fairy Trail, a free route created by volunteers and featuring dozens of colourful fairy houses and wind chimes.

The attraction in Heworth had now been targeted by vandals a total of 108 times since launching, according to trail founder Tracy Ostle.

"It's got to the point of exhaustion and I think this is the biggest attack we've had, we're just shocked to the core," she said.

The trail was set up in 2021 to add "a little bit of magic" along the banks of the River Foss in the area.

In the most recent attack, several parts of the trail including a children's chalkboard, a pergola and nearby logs were set on fire.

A bug house that was torched in a previous attack was also smashed to pieces.

"It was basically carnage," said Ms Ostle, who runs the trail alongside a full-time job.

Ms Ostle described the repeated attacks as "mindless" and warned the deliberate fires could spread.

"If that woodland had gone up in flames it could go all the way up the cycle track, especially with the dry weather," she said.

"The effect on any nature living down there would be terrible."

Since the latest attack, Ms Ostle said she had received offers of help to tidy up the site as well as a donation of £100 for materials from a local nature reserve charity.

"My message to the vandals would be rather than destroying everything, I could really do with a hand so come along and contribute something positive," she added.

North Yorkshire Police said it was investigating the most recent attack and a neighbourhood policing team would patrol the area while inquiries continued.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.