Last updated at 15:47, Friday, 28 September 2012

POLICE have launched an investigation following an arson attack in Arnside today.

Two vehicles and a recycling bin were set alight this morning.

Emergency services believe the fires were started deliberately and an investigation has been launched to catch those responsible.

At 5am on Friday, Cumbria Fire and Rescue attended a report of a Peugeot Partner van which was parked, unattended and on fire on the Promenade, Arnside. While dealing with this incident, a further report came in stating that an LDV camper van was on fire on High Knott Road and a recycling bin was on fire on Black Dyke Road. Both vehicles have been written off as a result of the damage.

These early morning incidents follow on from a number of wheelie bins which were set alight over recent summer months and other incidents of damage to vehicles, windows and public toilets in and around Arnside.

Between January and October, around 20 wheelie bin fires have been reported and after investigation, a number of suspects have been interviewed however no charges have yet been brought.

Sergeant John Stephens from Kendal Police said: “Arnside is a peaceful area that traditionally has very low levels of crime so launching an investigation of this nature is unusual.

“We are tentatively linking the incidents and are asking the local community to help us identify the person or people responsible.

“This is absolutely mindless damage that has left victims frustrated, upset and out of pocket. Not only that, it has only been down to luck that the fires haven’t spread and caused more substantial damage or caused an innocent member of the public
serious harm.

“One of the wheelie bin fires committed over the summer happened right next to a primary school. Had the fire spread, the damage it could have caused and the impact that this would have had on local people would have been significant.

“We have launched an investigation and are working alongside our colleagues in the Fire and Rescue Service to identify how the fires were started and gather evidence in a bid to identify the offender(s). Police patrols are in the area and officers are making enquiries with local residents and businesses to see if anyone has witnessed anything suspicious over recent months.

“Arnside is a small, close-knit community so it is likely that someone may have heard or seen something that is suspicious. We want to stop this from happening again so if you have information that can help, please speak to me or one of my team by dialling 101.”

Steve Sharrock, station manager at Arnside Fire Station, said: “People deliberately lighting fires need to be aware of the potentially fatal consequences of what they’re doing.

“Fires can spread rapidly and quickly get out of control with fatal consequences. 

“We’ll be working closely with the police to try and clamp down on this type of wreckless criminal behaviour and delivering talks to young people in the area by going into schools in the run up to Bonfire Night to discuss the dangers of setting fires.”

If you want to provide information to police but would like to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

First published at 14:52, Friday, 28 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk