CHESHIRE FIRE and Rescue Service have urged residents to keep their bins out of sight in the wake of a series of arson attacks.

Home owners and tenants have been warned not to let their bins become a target for arsonists.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We would like to urge residents and businesses to store all bins away to avoid them becoming a target for arsonists. 

"This includes wheelie bins and refuse containers.

"Please store them away, especially at night and take extra care to make sure that rubbish does not pile up close to buildings.

"Also you can help to prevent bin fires by following these tips."

Fire safety tips:
• Do not place hot items in the bin, for example: smoking materials, hot embers from coal/wood, hot ash, etc
• Do not store rubbish or wheelie bins/refuse containers by windows or doors - any fire in the bin could easily spread to your property.
• Do not store your wheelie bin/refuse containers in close proximity to a building.
• Do not overfill your wheelie bin/refuse containers or leave loose rubbish around them.
• Whenever possible, wheelie bins/refuse containers should be stored securely behind locked gates.
• Only place your wheelie bin out on collection day. Return it to your property as soon as possible after collection. Do not leave your wheelie bin out at night.
• Do not allow bins or rubbish to block escape routes