Vehicles damaged during spate of arson attacks in Oswestry
Police in Oswestry today issued an appeal for information following a spate of car fires in the town overnight.
They have launched an investigation into arson attacks on seven cars during the early hours of today. Three further incidents of criminal damage to vehicles and a burglary are also being linked.
The first incident happened at around 3.15am when the fire service notified police they were attending a car fire in Middleton Road. It was quickly established the car had been stolen from Newton Abbot in Devon three days ago.
Within half an hour, reports were received of people attempting to set fire to vehicles in the Oak Street car park. A short time later, similar reports were received from Caer Road, Swan Lane, Ash Road, Crestwood Court and Prince Street – all close to Oak Street.
Some of the cars were severely damaged and others had minor damage from scorching.
Several cars in the locality were also damaged by people running over the bonnets. A burglary at the Gatacre Pavillion is also being linked to the arson attacks.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards said: “This is a serious sequence of criminal activity. We have launched an investigation working with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“We have also issued a witness appeal for any relevant information. We believe a group of four or five youths, who were seen in the area at the time, may be responsible.
“I urge anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the Oak Street area between 3am and 4am to contact Oswestry police station on 0300-333-3000. We are anxious to identify and arrest those responsible and will be grateful for any information which might help our inquiries.
“These were serious incidents and we are aware of people’s concern. Information can also be passed to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111, for which a reward may be paid,” he added.
