RESIDENTS in Widnes urged to be vigilant after firefighters dealt with three wheelie bin fires in one street.

Crews have confirmed the bins had been torched in Mayfield Avenue in an early morning arson attack.

Andy Royle, station manager of Widnes Fire Station, said: “We work very closely with the police in Widnes and other partner agencies to tackle this ongoing issue of deliberate wheelie bin fires and this will continue, but we also need residents to be aware and help us where they can.

“This sort of crime is extremely dangerous and any fire puts the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk.

“Fire spreads quickly so what may seem like a small fire can easily become out of control.”

The fires were discovered at 1.49am on Monday, March 31.

Halton Partnership Inspector Dave Gordon said: “Fortunately, no-one was injured as a result of these fires but the consequences could have potentially been far worse had the fires not been put out so quickly.

“These sorts of fires pose a real risk to the local community. Whoever is responsible needs to realise the impact of their actions as they could potentially be putting the lives of others at risk.

“We are committed to tackling arson incidents and we will continue working closely alongside Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies to address the issue.

“We are urging residents to be vigilant and are appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened, knows who is responsible, or has any information, which might assist with our enquiries, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.