Shropshire Star

Oswestry arson attacks are linked by police

A car was destroyed and two more were severely damaged in two arson attacks outside homes in Oswestry which police are linking.

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A shed and fencing were also destroyed in the two deliberate fires which were started in the early hours outside homes in the Upper Brook Street area of the town.

West Mercia Police said it is now stepping up night time patrols in the town in a bid to avoid a repeat attack. It also warned residents to be on guard.

Sergeant Scott Barnes said the force were linking the two fires which happened in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday.

In the first incident, a garden shed was set alight at a home in Beresford Gardens at about 4.30am on Saturday.

Meanwhile, a passing taxi driver raised the alarm at around 3.15am on Sunday after spotting a car on fire in the parking area at the entrance to Lutton Close.

A Volkswagen Polo was destroyed and two other nearby cars were badly damaged.

Sergeant Barnes said: "The two locations are little more than a street apart and both fires were deliberately started.

"We have launched an arson investigation and are appealing for witnesses and information which might help us identify those responsible."

Father-of-two Tom Edwards, 28, an electrician who lives in nearby Welsh Walls, said: "It is a worry for sure and you can't believe that people would be so irresponsible as to set fire to things deliberately.

"They are lucky that nobody was injured and I am relieved that the police are stepping up patrols in the area."

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