Sandown teens rewarded by caring community

Two boys who raised the alarm and put a stop to fires have been rewarded by the community. 

Friends Josh Salter-Paine and Joel Preston, both 13, were playing football at Rainbow Park, Sandown 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.

Now the boys have been rewarded by a caring community of local people who heard about the boy’s valiant efforts and started a fundraising page to replace their stolen belongings.

Colin Midmore, co-founder of Sandown Hub said: “In one day we have raised the £400 target. This generous response to the Sandown HUB appeal illustrates the positive power of social media and how it has brought the people of Sandown together in just four weeks since we set up the group.

“Josh and Joel can now replace their stolen belongings.”

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.