POLICE and firefighters have launched a joint operation after a spate of arson attacks at parks in the town.

Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces following a worrying rise in deliberate blazes and anti-social behaviour in the Orford, Poplars and Hulme and Poulton North wards since the start of the year.

A total of 10 children have since been identified as being involved in a number of cases of arson, with the fire largely centring on parks and nearby streets.

At least seven stop and searches have been made, with cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes being seized from youths.

Meanwhile a 16-year-old boy was also arrested for being in possession of an offensive weapon in Orford Park, but he has since been released without any further action being taken.

Sergeant Lee Hillyard said: “A dedicated team has been involved in the operation to identify those involved and reduce anti-social behaviour.

“Over the past few weeks, we have worked with firefighters to patrol parks and streets which have been a target for youths.

“We have also engaged with the local community and youth groups to provide reassurance and gather information.

“This has resulted in a number of positive outcomes with youngsters being identified, drugs seized and an arrest made.

“I want to reassure residents that the operation will continue and patrols will take place during the week and at weekends.

“To help reduce these offences, I would encourage parents to know the whereabouts of their children and for the community to keep reporting anti-social behaviour or any suspicious activity.

“My neighbourhood officers also hold regular weekly drop-in surgeries, which anyone can attend.”

The operation hopes to free up firefighters and police officers in case of ‘genuine emergencies’.

Fire service station manager Neil Winstanley added: “The operation is proving to be a huge success.

“Already, several individuals have been identified – which gives us an opportunity to engage with them to provide information on consequences for their behaviour.

“We will continue to work closely with the police to tackle these issues.

“This will reduce calls to attend small nuisance incidents and ensure our resources will be ready more often for genuine emergencies.

“Our overarching objective remains to work with our local partner services and agencies to provide a safer community and these operations go a long way to achieving this.”