Fears are growing that an arsonist is targeting Oswestry following a spate of attacks in the town.

Three arson attacks were reported in Swan Lane in the last few days and follow several arsons in the Castlefields area last month.

Fire chiefs said today they had informed the police of their concerns and have urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

They warned that although nobody has been injured yet, arson attacks can cost lives.

Oswestry fire station’s watch manager John Davies said the warning was sparked by fires in Swan Lane in the early hours of this morning, yesterday and on Wednesday.

At about 4am on Wednesday a crew was called to the street after somebody had set fire to an old television.

At 2.25am yesterday firefighters attended the same location again when a shed and wheelie bin was set alight.

And crews were called to Swan Lane at 4.10am today to Swan Lane after a wheelie bin and rubbish was set on fire.

Mr Davies said: “We would ask members of the public to be vigilant. Arson does cause problems and we have had three in the last few days.

“The police are now involved and we would ask anyone who knows who is responsible to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

“Arson attacks can cost lives and also uses up valuable fire service resources.

“These fires were started in the same location and could be by the same person. The concern is that they are getting bolder in what they are setting alight.”

Fears of arson attacks in Castlefields last month led to residents calling a public meeting to discuss the concerns.

Waste items including a sofa and a mattress which had been left beside the area’s flats to be taken away had been set alight in the attacks.

One attack claimed the life of a family cat which was found dead on the discarded sofa by firefighters.

Fire staff attended the public meeting to reassure the public and to give safety advice.

Council staff also attended and promised to provide a rubbish skip every four months to the area which residents can use.