Children blamed for arson attacks (From Warrington Guardian)

Children blamed for arson attacks

CHILDREN are being blamed for a spate of arson attacks in Warrington.

John Noden, station officer at Warrington Fire Station, says there has been a marked increase in the number of malicious fires over the past month. The fires have been more common in Orford and, he believes, youngsters are to blame.

As reported in the Warrington Guardian, a "worrying" trend has been for wheelie bins to be pushed up against the front door of homes and then set alight. Similar incidents have been reported with mattresses being torched and used to trap people in their homes.

Mr Noden said: "It is a shame on a number of counts, first children could burn themselves while trying to start a fire, there is a risk of the fire spreading to property and on occasions occupants in the house have been in danger.

"There was a harrowing experience for a family late last year when they had to be rescued by firefighters after a bin has been put against the front door then set alight.

"It also causes a scar in your neighbourhood and prevents firefighters from doing their work in the community."

New figures for the last week in January show that of 15 arson attacks reported, nine happened on a Saturday - eight of which were caused by children playing with matches.

He added that the majority of the fires were in Orford.

Among the worst incidents was a fire on Poplars Avenue in Orford in January when a Christmas tree was set alight outside a home along with a pile of rubbish.

Firefighters are warning residents not to store rubbish by doors and not to put wheelie bins out until refuse collectors are due.

If you need a home safety check, call Warrington Fire Station on 639129.