Second arrest made as police step up investigation into Leegomery car fires
Extra police resources are to be used as police in Telford step up their investigation into a series of car fires that have occurred in Leegomery this week.
The investigation is being stepped up after five further fires were reported on Acacia Drive just after midnight this morning.
Five vehicles were targeted deliberately during the arson attack but none of the fires took hold, with only minor damage caused to each vehicle.
A 20-year-old man arrested yesterday morning has since been released on police bail. Police yesterday evening arrested a second man, aged 18, who is today in custody on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson.
Speaking about the direction the police investigation is now taking, A/CI Langton said:
"We have had five more incidents reported to us overnight but thankfully these fires were put out before they took hold. We are working with Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service to establish the cause of these fires and at this stage it does appear they were started deliberately.
"The investigation into these incidents in Leegomery has now been stepped up and officers from a number of departments - including CID, Specialist Operations and Intelligence - are working together to track down the individuals responsible.
"Further patrols will be providing a visible presence on the streets of Leegomery day and night and I would warn the people starting these fires that it is only a matter of time before we identify you. Once identified, these individuals responsible will be dealt with very robustly.
"I would like to reassure local people that the investigation into these car fires will continue until the offenders are brought to justice and also take this opportunity to renew our appeal for any information which might assist us.
"What may be seen as fun to those responsible for the car fires causes great distress and hardship to their victims. People rely on their vehicles for so many reasons and these crimes cause thousands of pounds of damage and affect insurance policies.
"We will continue to seek every opportunity to bring to justice those responsible for these crimes and I would stress that information from the public is critical if we are to succeed.
"Last night's fires were dealt with thanks to a call from a concerned member of the public and I would encourage anyone who sees any suspicious or unusual behaviour around vehicles in Leegomery to make contact with us as soon as they can so we can respond immediately.
"I would appeal to anyone who has information about the five fires last night, or any of the previous crimes, to contact police in Telford on 0300 333 3000.
"Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111."
