FIREFIGHTERS are urging Widnes residents to be vigilant after a spate of deliberate fires.

Fire crews have been called to deal a number of bin fires, believed to have been started deliberately over the weekend.

Colin Heyes, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's arson reduction manager, said: "We really would like people to be on their guard and report anyone they see lighting fires. This sort of crime is extremely dangerous and any fire puts thelives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk.

"It also takes up a lot of valuable time and resources.”

Sgt Neil Edgar, of Widnes Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "This sort of irresponsible behaviour has a negative impact on the local community and whoever is responsible needs to realise the impact of their actions as they could potentially be putting lives at risk.”

Four fires were started within three hours on Friday evening.

Crews found burning rubbish on St Michael’s golf course in Dundalk Road, at 8pm.

 

A wheelie bin between two houses in Sommerville Road, was torched, an hour later.

More rubbish was set on fire in Standish Court, at 10.20pm, and in Dundalk Road again, an hour later.

Other arson attacks have happened over the weekend.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents can call Cheshire Police in 101.