Seven cars damaged during arson attacks in Telford
Police are today investigating a number of car fires in the Leegomery area of Telford overnight.
Seven cars were set alight during a period between 1.52am – 2.17am this morning.
The first vehicle parked in Leegate Avenue was completely destroyed at 1:52am.
Just a few minutes later firefighters from Wellington were called to Chepstow Drive were a small fire was alight under a car.
At just after 2am, a third car was reported to be alight in Cheltneham Court. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and a hose reel jet to put out the fire.
The firefighters dealing with the Cheltenham Court fire were then called into Anson Drive a neighbouring street at 2.10am.
A fifth vehicle, a saloon car, was 50% destroyed by fire in Aintree Close at 2.11am.
Six minutes later, two 4x4’s were set alight in Halifax Drive at 2.17am.
Speaking about these incidents, Acting Chief Inspector Richard Langton said:
"These are worrying incidents and at the present time we cannot see any obvious reason why the vehicles have been targeted. Therefore we suspect this is just an act of blatant, irresponsible vandalism.
"Our officers will be working with fire investigators to establish the cause of the fires and forensic officers will be attending each scene to look for further evidence.
"Although we are investigating the obvious possibility that the same individual or individuals are responsible for each fire, we are keeping an open mind about who is responsible.
"I would like to warn the individual or individuals responsible that they will be dealt with very robustly when they are identified.
"Additional patrols will be taking place in Leegomery over the next few days to provide reassurance to local people and the Local Policing Teams in North Telford will be out and about talking to residents in Leegomery as much as they can in an attempt to gather information about these fires.
"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone with information or suspicions about who started these fires to come forward with the details as soon as they can so we can act on it before any further damage is caused.
"I would also ask anyone who sees suspicious behaviour around motor vehicles to report it to us immediately.
"Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the police on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111."
