Car severely damaged in latest Leegomery arson attack
Firefighters were called to the Leegomery area of Telford early this morning following another car fire.
The saloon car was set alight in Chockleys Meadow at around 4:50am this morning. Firefighters from Wellington attended the fire which severely damaged the vehicle.
The latest fire follows police reassurance over the weekend that there is no evidence the fires are racially motivated. Rumours had been circulating that the fires are targeting members of Hadley’s and Leegomery’s ethnic minorities.
Superintendent Amanda Blakeman, the policing commander for Telford and Wrekin, said: “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.”
Five people have been arrested in relation to the earlier offences and remain on police bail while inquiries continue.
