A Shropshire fire chief today urged householders and businesses to be on their guard against an anticipated rise in the number of arson attacks by youngsters.

The warning was sounded after a string of arson attacks in Telford this week which were thought to have been the work of young vandals. Such attacks traditionally increase during school holidays.

With youngsters breaking up for half-term today it is feared more fires could be started by bored children who turn to vandalism for kicks.

The latest attacks came in the early hours of yesterday when rubbish was set ablaze outside the former Pudding pub in Holyhead Road, Ketley, and then a bin further down the road was set on fire.

Children were also thought to have been responsible for setting fire to a bush and a tree in Halldene, Hadley, on Thursday afternoon and for setting alight another bush in Doseley Road, Dawley, on Monday night.Shropshire Fire Service fire crime reduction officer Andy Perry said: “Unfortunately, there are indications that the number of arson incidents increases during the holiday period and we urge people to reduce the risk to their properties by carrying out some preventative actions.

“Businesses should remove skips and rubbish containers when they shut down and householders should not only make sure that their home is secured, including outbuildings and sheds, but also not let rubbish accumulate outside.

“Residents should also consider having security lighting installed and, most important of all, they should have a working smoke alarm.”

Mr Perry urged anyone who sees anything suspicious to call the police or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Further information about fire safety is available from the community safety prevention department on (01743) 260269 and free home safety risk assessments can be arranged by calling (01743) 260298.