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Teenage Brit Jockeys Killed in Arson

Police have arrested suspected arsonist in his 30s

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 6, 2009 7:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – Two promising apprentice jockeys were killed yesterday in a suspected arson fire set at their apartment building in northern England. "Apprentice of the season" Jamie Kyne, 18, was found dead along with female jockey Jan Wilson, 19, in Kyne's apartment where several riders had gathered for a party. Two other jockeys were injured escaping from the North Yorkshire building, which houses young riders and stable staff, reports the Times of London.

“I looked out of the window and there were people screaming and shouting,” said an eye witness who lives on the block. The deaths are "so hard to believe" because Kyne was a "topping young lad" and "one of the best young riders about," said a racing official, who noted that Wilson also had "tremendous potential." Police have arrested the suspected arsonist, a man in his 30s. Investigators have not revealed a motive.

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Two promising teenage jockeys were killed in a suspected arson fire in an North Yorkshire apartment building housing young riders and stable staff. (AP Photo/Benoit Photo)

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Somebody kicked the front door open and flames came out. People were jumping out of windows. A man jumped out of a window on the top floor and he landed
at my feet. - Neighbor Martin Brown

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Teenage Brit Jockeys Killed in Arson