Key Highlights
- Halloween charity display torched by arsonists in South Shields.
- Owner Stan Yannetta has been running the attraction for 19 years.
- The incident caused damage to his garage, flat, and neighbor’s property.
- Police are treating the case as suspected arson.
Halloween Display in South Shields Torched by Arsonists
In a shocking turn of events during this year’s Halloween season, Stan Yannetta, a 64-year-old resident of South Shields, was devastated when his beloved charity display was torched. This incident marks the end of an annual tradition that has brought joy to locals for nearly two decades.
Stan’s Long-standing Commitment
Stan Yannetta, known as a local business owner and community member, has been setting up his festive attraction outside his home on Heaton Gardens annually. His dedication to the cause began 19 years ago when he started crafting a Halloween display in his front garden for charity. The spectacle expanded over time, reaching an impressive 70 feet, with the addition of buckets for charitable donations.
Tragic Fire and Devastating Loss
The fire broke out on Thursday night, leaving Stan Yannetta heartbroken upon receiving a call from his brother at around 11 pm. “I knew there was something wrong,” he recalled. “I popped my head around the corner and the whole street was ablaze.” The entire display, from one end to another, was completely destroyed.
The fire caused significant damage not only to Stan’s property but also affected his neighbor’s front porch and back windows of his flat. Despite firefighters managing to extinguish the blaze swiftly, the incident highlighted the dangers posed by arsonists.
Community Impact
Stan, who operates Stan’s Auto Services, expressed his concern over the potential danger caused by the arsonists: “What they’ve done is endangered life. My phone has never stopped. People have been messaging saying ‘Stan I can’t believe this has happened to you.'”
The annual display served as a community attraction, with many locals enjoying it for free.
Stan’s efforts were not only about Halloween but also extended to Christmas time when he would transform the display for festive fundraising. The funds collected were then distributed among three local charities: Tiny Lives, Stopping Unsafe Relationships Together (SURT), and Pawz for Thought.
Investigation and Community Response
A representative from Northumbria Police stated, “Shortly before 11.20 pm on Thursday, we received a report of a fire outside a property on Heaton Gardens in South Shields. Emergency services attended where damage had been caused to a Halloween display in the front yard, and the fire was extinguished. Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing, which we are currently treating as suspected arson.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) dispatched two fire engines to the scene, with firefighters safely extinguishing the fire by 23:37.
Future Uncertainty
The incident has left Stan and his friend Richy Ames, who assisted in creating the display, feeling disheartened. “It’s all for the kids,” Stan shared. “I can’t do anything at Christmas now – I haven’t got anything. This has finished it off.” The community is rallying around him, with many expressing their support through social media and direct messages to police.
As of now, the investigation into the arsonist’s motive remains open, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding public spaces and the impact such actions can have on community morale and well-being.
