Mother breaks down during appeal for help to find girl’s blaze killers 10 years on

THE mother of a teenage girl killed in an arson attack exactly 10 years ago broke down in tears yesterday as she appealed for help to find the person responsible.

Lindsey Scholes was just 17 when she died from serious burns and smoke inhalation after the door of the terrace house where she was staying was set on fire.

The blaze spread to the rest of the house, and while two other girls escaped with their lives, Lindsey died in hospital two days later despite being rescued by firefighters.

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Since the night of September 8, 2001, a number of people have been arrested, but the police have been unable to press charges, leaving Lindsey’s family in limbo.

Yesterday, her mother Jackie Meloy, who still lives in Royston, Barnsley, where the fire happened, said she felt the “horrific loss” every day.

Mrs Meloy said she felt somebody in the village held the key to getting justice for her daughter and was convinced the person responsible was being protected.

She added: “Think back please to what Lindsey went through that night. Think of the pain and fear that she would have been going through.

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“They had no right taking her life and I want you please to ask yourselves why you are protecting someone who is an arsonist and a killer.

“I see Lindsey’s friends, all grown up now and having children of their own and I wonder if I’d have been a grandma by now.

“It’s heartbreaking that Lindsey never had the chance to get married, to have children, all this was taken away the night of the fire. It’s been 10 years but please think back and contact the police if you remember anything.”

Speaking close to the house in Milgate Street, where Lindsey was staying, the officer in charge of the investigation, Det Supt James Abdy, also called on the community to help.

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He added: “I am specifically appealing to people who were in Royston at the time, regardless of whether or not they still live in the area.”

Officers yesterday began an four-day operation in the village and will remain in the community until Sunday, trying to find information on the fire.

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