Six vehicles gutted in Shropshire village arson dramas

So far, there have been four suspicious fire-related incidents in Pontesbury, near Shrewsbury.

Two tractors, a BMW, an Audi, a Peugeot and a saloon car have been engulfed in fireballs in various locations in recent weeks.

Police have now launched a criminal investigation, stepped up patrols and are urging any potential witnesses to contact them.

Officers say that while they are not ruling out a link between the fires, they are also keeping an open mind.

The attacks started on August 21 and the most recent incident was on Tuesday.

Sarah-Jane Lynch, from West Mercia Police, said: "We have logs of four incidents in Pontesbury over the past few weeks."

She said the first saw a black Peugeot set alight at Callow Cars in Main Road, Pontesbury, at 10.20am.

"A male suspect was seen in the vicinity wearing a baseball cap and black coat," she added.

"On Sunday, August 31 at 1.40am, two tractors and one BMW car were set alight at Severn Farm Machinery.

"A fire was also started in a shed but didn't spread as flames reached a nearby water pipe. It is being treated as arson.

"The third incident was on Tuesday, between 12.50am and 1.15am, at Red House Barns in Plealey. An Audi was set on fire."

The most recent attack was on Tuesday.

The control room received a call to attend a car fire in Station Road, Pontesbury, at 9.19pm.

A fire engine from Minsterley attended but the car was destroyed.

Chief Inspector Andrew Milne, from West Mercia Police, said: "We are keeping an open mind in relation to these incidents.

"We are investigating closely with the fire service and exploring all possible options.

"A criminal investigation has been commenced and additional patrols will be deployed to the area.

"We would urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has any information which could help with our inquiries to please contact police on 101 quoting incident number 709 of 2nd September."