Saloon car set alight in latest Leegomery arson attack
Firefighters in Telford were last night called to an eighth car fire in Leegomery within 24hrs.
In the latest attack a saloon vehicle parked in Leegate Avenue was set alight around 8.20pm yesterday evening.
Firefighters from Wellington used a hose reel jet to put out the fire which had destroyed around 15% of the car.
Additional police patrols are taking place in the area with Local Policing Teams in north Telford talking to residents in Leegomery in an attempt to gather information about the fires.
Speaking about the 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.
“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.”
