A teenager aged 17 has been arrested after a series of deliberate firelightings in the St Ann’s district. Emergency crews attended numerous blazes that occurred during the early morning hours of April 8, between 3:30 and 8:30. The fires were ignited in various items such as bins, mattresses, fencing, and piled-up rubbish. Areas impacted comprised Wells Road, Warton Avenue, Hendon Rise, Luther Close, and Brewsters Road. The male adolescent was held on suspicion of eight arson offences and granted conditional bail as enquiries continue.

Police Constable Betty Shone, from the City South neighbourhood policing unit, explained that incidents involving intentionally lit fires undergo comprehensive investigation because of the considerable harm they can produce. She noted that fire can quickly spread to neighbouring properties and put local inhabitants at risk. She added that thankfully no members of the public suffered injuries throughout this sequence of events, and officers moved quickly to find and arrest a suspect.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone possessing pertinent information is asked to get in touch with officers by calling 101, quoting reference 26*199368, or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity is guaranteed.