Police Warning After Further Redditch Arsons
Police investigating a series of arsons in Redditch have warned someone may die unless the fires stop.
The latest in a number of bin fires happened in Sandhurst Close, Church Hill, between 1am and 1.25am on Wednesday 26th September.
Two wheelie bins were set on fire next to the house. The blaze was spotted by a neighbour who called the fire service.
Redditch district inspector Ian Joseph said: "In the early hours of the morning it is very fortunate the blaze was seen by a neighbour, who raised the alarm.
"Nevertheless, it took 30 minutes to wake the occupant, by which time damage had occurred to the gas main and gas was escaping, which has the obvious potential for an explosion.
"Gas equipment was also damaged in two bin fires in Dolben Lane, Winyates, on Sunday evening.
"These fires are putting residents at considerable risk, and if they continue it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or even killed."
Inspector Joseph said patrols by uniformed and non-uniformed officers had been increased.
Station Commander Phil Berry from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "These deliberate incidents put members of the public and our firefighters at risk particularly when there is the potential for an explosion to occur.
"We will continue to work closely with the police and the local council to monitor the situation but I would urge anyone with information on these incidents to report it."
There were two other arsons in Redditch yesterday (Wednesday).
In Sedgley Close a fire was started in a communal area of block of flats, between 3.15pm and 3.30pm. A bin bag and paper had been set alight, but the blaze was put out by residents.
And in Heronfield Close a blue BMW car had to be written off after it was set on fire between 9.30 and 9.45pm.
Witnesses or anyone with information about any of the fires are asked to contact West Mercia Police on the non-emergency number 101 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Issued: Thursday, 27 September 2012
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