Police are investigating a series of arson attacks in the Morton area of Carlisle, which occurred around 9pm on Sunday 29th December 2019.
Fires were started in wheelie bins and recycling bins in the areas of Highfield Avenue, Shadygrove Road, Newlaithes Avenue, and Morton Rigg.
Witnesses describe youths in dark clothing, some running and some cycling from the scenes.
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “These fires were started in the gardens of residential dwellings, in close proximity to houses, and it was fortuitous that the alarms were raised quickly so the fire service were able to attend and extinguish the fires before serious damage or injury was caused.
“However, damage has still been caused to several items of property.
“Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward who have seen anyone starting fires, and for anyone to contact police if they believe they have been a victim of a similar crime recently.
“Police would also urge anyone who has noticed a friend or family member smelling of smoke or carrying accelerants, to inform police.”
Anyone with information should contact PC Whatman on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Quote incident 245 of 29 December 2019.
