There has been great speculation over the cause of the Woolsington Hall fire and subsequent forensic investigations into suspected arson. It was hoped that a request to Northumbria Police for information on the fire investigations would put an end to this speculation. Northumbria Police has confirmed they hold part of the information requested, but this information has been classed as exempt and disclosure has been refused. The purpose of the exemption is to ‘protect the effective investigation and prosecution of offences and the protection of confidential sources’, however, the investigation is closed and there have been no prosecutions. This exemption is subject to the public interest test. We may never know the cause of the fire that devastated Woolsington Hall or what investigations were carried out, but thousands of people who signed the petition to save Woolsington Woods may want to know. Surely, this is a matter in the public interest? We will be asking Northumbria Police to review their decision.