Warning on Telford arson attacks

A warning has been sounded by fire chiefs following a spate of arson attacks in part of Telford. Residents living in Dawley are today being urged to remain "extra vigilant" after three incidents in three nights.

Neil Maguire, watch manager at Tweedale Fire Station, said there were "issues" in the Dawley area and people living there should take extra care.

The warning comes after the first incident on Thursday when two pensioners were at home on Southall Road at about 10pm when a man "casually" walked into their back garden and allegedly set fire to their shed.

Mr Maguire said: "We believe from witness statements that a male was seen casually entering the garden and deliberately ignited the shed. The individual was chased off by neighbours and the police did arrive.

"A neighbour alerted the occupants about the fire."

Then just after 12am on Friday a coat that was left on railings on Finger Road was also deliberately set on fire.

In the latest attack, two square metres of gorse was set alight at about 10pm last night in Doseley Road.

Mr Maguire added: "We advise members of the public to be extra vigilant with security and fire precautions."

Anyone with information about any of the fires should call Telford police on 0300 3333000.