Police hunt arsonist responsible for three Melton blazes

Shortly after 1.30am on Tuesday March 17, a Vauxhall Astra was set alight in Beckmill Lane.

When firefighters were responding to that blaze, they then received a further call – shortly before 2am – to a report that bins outside a block of flats in Greenslade had been set alight. It is believed both fires were started deliberately.

On Friday, communal bins in Rutland Street, were also set on fire at around 12.30am.

Pc Amanda Paddock, the investigating officer, said: “Due to the close proximity in which these three incidents occurred, I believe the same person or people are responsible.

“I am therefore treating these incidents as being linked to one another and would ask anyone with information to come forward.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone living in any of the areas where the incidents happened and who has CCTV at their property.

“While I appreciate these incidents happened in the very early hours of the morning, I would also like to speak to anyone who may have been driving in the area and who has a dashcam installed in their vehicle.

“Did they see or hear anyone acting in a manner that seemed unusual or aroused suspicion?

“Any information they have could help my investigation.”

Call police on 101, or send them a direct message on the Melton Police Facebook page, quoting reference 20*148592 (Beckmill Lane), 20*148634 (Greenslade) or 20*156463 (Rutland Street).