POLICE are appealing for information after a spate of arson attacks in the Hough Green area of Widnes over the past few months.

Since March there have been 21 deliberate fires reported including bin fires, fire in outbuilding and car fires.

The latest was an outbuilding which was set on fire on Deepdale, in Hough Green, at around 5am on Tuesday, July 17.

The fire took hold and spread, damaging an adjoining property.

To date there have been no reports of any injuries connected to the fires but any incident involving a fire has the potential for serious injury.

Police are currently working with Halton Council and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to try and tackle the problem.

However, help is needed from the public in identifying those responsible and also by removing, where possible, flammable material such as rubbish, from the streets.

Securing wheelie bins within the property boundaries and reporting any suspicious activity will help the police catch those responsible for causing the fires.

People should contact 999 in an emergency, 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111 with any information or suspicious activity regarding these offences.

There will be a meeting at Upton Community Centre on Bechers on Tuesday, July 24 at 7pm where residents will have an opportunity to speak with beat manager PC Christopher Hull and police community support officer Paul Mines about the issue.

A representative from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will also be in attendance.