POLICE have launched an investigation after three fires were started deliberately in Runcorn overnight.

Emergency services were first called to Halton Lodge just after 7pm on Sunday, July 7 where they discovered wood well alight under a footbridge on Whitchurch Way area.

Around 30 minutes later, firefighters were called to another fire involving wood chippings near Weston Link.

At around 8.45pm firefighters then dealt with a fire involving rubbish in Halton Lodge Avenue.

Although no-one was injured by the fires, a joint investigation has been launched by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Police to find those responsible.

Runcorn Fire Station manager Stuart Devereux told the World: “We are concerned by the fact that three fires are believed to have been started deliberately in the Halton Lodge area within such a short space of time.

“We urge those responsible to stop starting fires.

“Fire spreads quickly, so what may seem like a small fire can easily become out of control and put properties and lives at risk.

“Small fires that are started deliberately also damage the environment and tie up resources, meaning that it will take longer for fire crews to respond to emergencies, such as house fires.

“A fire can start anywhere and I would like to say to those who deliberately start fires that it could be your family or friends that we are delayed in getting to and trying to save because we have to put out a fire that is completely avoidable.

“We will actively pursue anyone found to be setting fires deliberately and involve the police.”

These fires can lead to life-threatening blazes and could take vital resources away from other incidents.

Sergeant Neil Anson, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “We are keeping an open mind as to whether the three fire incidents in Runcorn are linked and are urging anyone with information about them to get in touch with the team here at Runcorn Police Station.

“Perhaps you were in the area and saw a fire being started, or maybe you have information or CCTV or dashcam footage regarding the people responsible.”

Anyone with information or CCTV footage should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 449529 (Whitchurch Way area), IML 449605 (Weston Link area) or IML 449619 (Halton Lodge Avenue), give the details via

https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries

or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.