A spate of dangerous field fires have been started by youths in Shrewsbury during the last week which are putting lives at risk – it has been claimed.
The warning was issued by police yesterday, Wednesday, after Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service had been called out repeatedly to the same site.
The incidents have occurred on the field behind the Wilfred Owen School, off Hearne Way and Telford Way.Police say valuable resources are being wasted because of the fires.
A total of seven incidents had been reported to the police in the week leading up to Monday, September 20, and the majority of the callouts happened during the weekend – between the hours of 6.30pm and 11.30pm.
The investigating officer, PC Kerry Hawkins, said yesterday: “Each time the Fire Service is called out it leaves their own resources stretched.
“If these calls coincide with a house fire or a serious blaze where people are trapped, then clearly lives will be at risk.
“I would appeal to whoever is responsible to stop this dangerous and foolhardy activity. They are deliberate and dangerous acts and those responsible could end up being hurt themselves.
“We have received information which indicates groups of youths are responsible. I would ask parents to please check their youngsters are not involved and to impress on them the dangers.”
PC Hawkins said: “I would also ask members of the local community to assist our investigations by calling Shrewsbury police station on 0300 333 3000 if they see anything suspicious. We would ask residents to be vigilant.”She added that police patrols were now being increased in the area and officers were working closely with the fire service.
By David Seadon