CCTV call following Oswestry flat arson attacks

People living in a block of flats in Oswestry are demanding CCTV protection after a spate of arson attacks.

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Supporting image for story: CCTV call following Oswestry flat arson attacks

People living in a block of flats in Oswestry are demanding CCTV protection after a spate of arson attacks.

The Castlefields flats have been hit by night-time fires in recent weeks, and residents have set up a petition demanding help to catch the culprits.

The move comes as one young mother said she was living in fear. Kylie Hall, 22, said one of the attacks left her with hand injuries

Another destroyed her five-year-old daughter Keira's toy pram and favourite doll, leaving the youngster too afraid to sleep at home.

She said: "Something needs to be done before lives are lost.

"I think it is local kids doing it. In the last fire they set fire to Keira's toy pushchair, which had been left outside in the front garden, and left it at the front door, burning.

"I saw the fire and grabbed Keira, who was screaming.

"A policeman who was in the area kicked the pushchair out of the way so we could get out.

"Another time they set fire to an aerosol can or something in my wheelie bin and when I opened the bin to put rubbish in the flames hit me.

"I had blistered hands and needed treatment from paramedics. We want the police to put up CCTV cameras to catch them.

"Keira won't sleep at home any more because she is so afraid. She is staying with my mum and dad."

Keira's grandmother, Janet Mapp, from St Martin's, said she was worried about her daughter and granddaughter. She said: "They need to be caught before somebody is killed. Something needs to be done and CCTV will help."

Neighbour Sandra Jones said she backed the petition.

She said: "It is getting worrying because it is happening a lot now. They need to be caught and they need to stop doing it."

Police spokeswoman Maria Wilkinson said North Shropshire Inspector Rick Klair would meet the area's Shropshire councillor Vince Hunt along with fire service chiefs on Tuesday.