Police hunt for arsonists after seven attacks
1:21pm Friday 10th July 2009 in News
Police are hunting arsonists who have struck seven times in little over a week in Bolton.
A number of cars have been targeted and in most cases the fire has spread after wheelie bins are set alight. Most incidents happen in the early hours of the morning.
Sergeant John Nicol, from the Bolton West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "To have so many incidents in such a short space of time is understandably causing some concern to residents.
"I would like to reassure them that we are working hard to target whoever is responsible and are treating this as a priority.
"Anyone prepared to deliberately start a fire presents a danger to innocent members of the community and must be caught.
"Whoever is responsible has, in most cases, used a wheelie bin to start the fire. I would urge residents, where possible, to only put their bins out on the morning of a collection and to ensure they are secure and off the streets at all other times."
In the latest incident police were called to Muirfield Close, Deane, following reports a lorry had been set on fire shortly before 4.20am today. Minor damage was caused to the front of the vehicle.
A teenage girl wearing a cream top and a teenage boy wearing a stripped top and baseball cap were seen to run off with at least two others.
Anyone with information can call the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 5689, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
