Two fires hit street in minutes

A suspected arsonist is believed to have started two fires in an Oswestry street within minutes of each other.

Firefighters from Oswestry were called to Unicorn Road to reports of a car on fire at 4.24am yesterday and then received a second call to a shed fire in the same road less than 15 minutes later.

A Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said both fires were being investigated.”The car fire was believed to be deliberate ignition and the shed fire is of ‘doubtful origin’,” he said.

West Mercia Police said both fires were being investigated and an appeal was issued for witnesses.

“If anybody was in the Unicorn Road area around this time yesterday morning and saw anything or anybody acting suspiciously they should call us on 08457 444888,” a spokesman said.

Information can also be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers line, 0800 555111.

Over the border in Powys, firefighters from Welshpool were called out early today to deal with two car fires at Chepstow Avenue in Guilsfield. A spokesman said two fire crews from Welshpool were called to the scene at 6.12am, where two vehicles were well alight.

Meanwhile at Johnstown, near Wrexham, a smoke alarm alerted the occupants of a bungalow to a fire in a bedroom at 7.45pm yesterday. The two residents fled outside and called the fire brigade to their home at Heol-y-Cyngor.