Warning after spate of arson attacks in Telford

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service say they have been called out to four arsons in Brookside in the past month.

It comes after crews from Telford battled two separate deliberate bin fires in the space of three hours.

Derek Taylor, Shropshire Fire & Rescue fire crime officer, said they are calling for people living in the areas of Blakemore, Bembridge and Bishopdale, which have been particular targets, to be on look out for suspicious behaviour.

He said the fires have included bin fires, and a fire that was deliberately started inside an electrical cupboard.

He said: "It is a problem, we have had four deliberate fires in Brookside in the past month.

"We are really appealing for people to be vigilant and if they see anything suspicious to call police. It is tying up resources, while we are being called out to deal with that, there could be a fire somewhere else where we need to send out to."

Mr Taylor said the majority of the fires have been started in the day when they can quickly be spotted.

But in the early hours of yesterday morning, at 5am a fire was started in a outside bin in Blakemore, Brookside, which spread onto the window of a house.

Mr Taylor said this creates extra dangers, as it is less likely that the fire will be spotted. He added: "This could have ended a lot more seriously."

Just three hours before the fire in Blakemore, at 2.30am yesterday, a fire was started in a large wheely bin on St Matthew's Road in Donnington. It is not believed that this fire is connected.