Young gangs blamed for Telford car arson attacks

People living in an area of Telford repeatedly targeted by arsonists have blamed poor parenting and a lack of facilities for youngsters for the attacks.

Arsonists have torched 21 cars in Leegomery and Hadley in the last two weeks. Residents said that they were now becoming fearful of living in the area, which they said was always a hot-spot for crime.

Mother-of-nine Samantha Hudson, of Hurleybrook Way, Leegomery, said: "If you can't discipline your children, this is what happens. There are always lots of gangs hanging around here."

Chockleys Meadow resident Anj Gull, whose family has always lived in Leegomery, said there was nothing to keep youngsters off the streets.

He said: "Groups of youths between 12 and 16 hang around causing trouble. There are no youth facilities or education here. When I was young my parents were strict and I was in before 9pm or 10pm."

Stephen Hendricks, of Acacia Drive, suggested that youngsters could be playing a game to see who could torch the most cars.

He added: "I don't think they are thinking about the consequences."

Six people have been arrested in connection with the fires. They have all been released on police bail.

Police have said there was 'no substance' to rumours around the estate that the attacks were racially motivated. And they have warned the arsonists that it is 'just a matter of time' until they are traced.

Some frightened residents have taken extreme, and expensive, measures.

Nineteen-year-old Danny Richards, of Acacia Drive, where five cars were torched on Friday, said he had taken his own precautions by installing four CCTV cameras outside his home since the problems began.

He said: "There has been a lot of trouble here recently. I had brake fluid tipped on my car three weeks ago and it needed a complete re-spray.

"My partner also had her car keyed and bricks were thrown at my motorbike.

"It seems like the police are doing their job to me, but they can't be everywhere. And not everyone can afford CCTV."

Anyone with information can contact Telford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

By Sean Wozencroft