13-year-old Sandown boys have belongings stolen as they report fire

Two hero teenagers from Sandown had their belongings stolen as they raised the alarm about a fire. 

Friends Josh Salter-Paine and Joel Preston, both 13, were playing football at Rainbow Park on Saturday (September 8) when they noticed a small fire break out.

After raising the alarm to emergency services, the boys returned to find their Iphone 5s had been stolen along with expensive adidas and nike trainers, North Face clothing and school stuff.

The Year 9 boys from The Bay CE School then noticed a larger fire break out, which they reported to the fire brigade.

This was caused by undergrowth according to Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and was dealt with by three pumps and is being treated as non-suspicious.

Josh’s mum Emma Salter-Paine said: “He was quite shaken and upset by it all but I’m very proud of him.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Between 7.15pm and 8.15pm in Fort Street, Sandown, two 13-year-old boys have spotted a fire and called the fire brigade. When they have returned to get their belongings, a rucksack and other belongings have been taken.”

A Just Giving page has been set up by the Sandown Hub Facebook page to raise funds to replace the boy’s property.

You can donate here.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44180340399.