Six cars damaged in latest spate of Leegomery and Hadley arson attacks
Six vehicles were set alight in Leegomery and Hadley last night in the latest spate of arson attacks in the area.
Firefighters from Wellington were called to the first fire involving a people carrier parked in Crescent Road, Hadley at just after 3:25am. The vehicle was only slightly damaged. A short time later at 4am, firefighters were called to a number of other fires involving vehicles in Leegomery.
In Hurleybrook Way a saloon car was destroyed and around 5m of fencing was damaged. Four vehicles parked in Acacia Drive were also targeted but only suffered minor damage.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue say the fires are being started at the front or rear of the vehicles possible using an accelerant.
All six fires are being treated as arson and today detectives from Telford CID are investigating.
A man was seen in the area at the time of the fires and police would like to speak to him. He is described as being white, in his early 20s, approx 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall with dark hair and he was wearing a light-coloured trousers and a jacket.
The fires come after a recent series of cars fires in Leegomery between Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 March - five people have been arrested in relation to those offences and remain on police bail while inquiries continue.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Wells, who is leading the investigation, said: "At this early stage, we are keeping an open mind about whether this morning's arson incidents are connected to the series at the end of March.
"We have a team of officers from CID, Specialist Operations and Intelligence working together to track down the person or group responsible.
"The increased patrols providing a visible presence on the streets of Leegomery will now be extended to Hadley to reassure local residents.
"I would like to take this opportunity to warn whoever started these fires that it is only a matter of time before we trace you and once we have, you will be dealt with very robustly. Our investigations will continue until the offenders are brought to justice.
"Information from the public is critical if we are to succeed and I would like to appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious in Hadley in the early hours of today to contact Telford CID via the non-emergency number, 101.
"Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
"If you see any suspicious or unusual behaviour around vehicles in Leegomery or Hadley in the coming nights, please contact West Mercia Police as soon possible on 999 so we can respond immediately."
