Police probe after new Telford car arson

An investigation was under way today into a car fire in Telford – less than 24 hours after arsonists set fire to six vehicles during a 30-minute wrecking spree.

Police have pledged to put on extra patrols in Leegomery after arsonists struck on Tuesday night, causing thousands of pounds damage. It comes as crews dealt with another car fire in Leegomery.

The Daewoo Matiz was spotted on fire in Leegate Avenue at 8.25pm.

A spokesman for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service at Wellington said it was being treated as deliberate.

He said: "We went to another car fire, which we believe was deliberate ignition again. Investigations are ongoing to see whether accelerant was used.

"There was only a small amount of damage because a passer-by found it quickly.

"The way it burned would suggest that it was not down to a fault with the vehicle."

Acting Chief Inspector Richard Langton yesterday warned the culprits that they would be dealt with very robustly.

He added: "Additional patrols will be taking place in Leegomery to provide reassurance, and the local policing teams will be out and about talking to residents as much as they can in an attempt to gather information about these fires.

"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone with information about who started these fires to come forward so we can act on it before any further damage is caused."

Fire crews also dealt was also a hedge and grass fire at Hedingham Road, Leegomery, minutes later and another hedge alight at Grovefields at 7.05pm.

The fire spokesman said: "We get so many grass fires at this time of year when it is dry it's almost impossible to link the two."