Police say no evidence to suggest Leegomery and Hadley car fires are racially motivated
Police are reassuring residents of the Hadley and Leegomery areas of Telford and Wrekin that there is no evidence that the recent series of car fires are racially motivated.
Local officers have become aware that some in the community are worried by rumours circulating that the fires are targeting members of Hadley's and Leegomery's ethnic minorities.
Between 3am and 4am yesterday morning, six cars were found alight in Crescent Road, Hurleybrook Way and Acacia Drive. A van was also found on fire in Arlestone Avenue at 10.30pm last night and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are assessing whether it is suspicious.
The latest incidents follow a series of cars fires in Leegomery between Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 March. Five people have been arrested in relation to the earlier offences and remain on police bail while inquiries continue.
Superintendent Amanda Blakeman, the policing commander for Telford and Wrekin, said: "I can understand why local people would be concerned about these rumours, but there is no substance to them.
"We have no evidence to suggest the series of car arsons over recent weeks is racially motivated - the victims come from a mix of ethnic backgrounds, including white British, and we believe the arsons are being started randomly.
"We are more concerned that there may be copycat incidents occurring and I want anyone involved or thinking about getting involved to know that we will work tirelessly to find all those responsible and they will be put before the courts.
"I want to repeat our warning to 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.
"I would also like to reassure local residents that we have increased patrols on the streets of Leegomery and Hadley to provide a visible presence.
"Information from the public is critical if we are to succeed in finding the offenders behind the arsons and I would like to appeal for anyone who saw anything out of ordinary in Hadley or Leegomery in recent days to contact Telford CID via the non-emergency number, 101.
" If you see any suspicious or unusual behaviour around vehicles in the coming nights, please contact call 999 so we can respond immediately.”
