A pair of ‘mindless’ firebugs torched nine cars during an arson spree across Stockport this morning.
Firefighters were called to Turncroft Lane in Hazel Grove at about 5.50am following reports that two men had set a Renault Megane, Volkswagen Polo and Vauxhall Corsa alight.
But while they fought the original blazes, the firebugs had moved on, setting fire to three more cars – including a Mazda RX8 – on nearby Edwin Street, before setting alight a further two cars on Carr Close and one on Hall Street Co-op car park.
Detective Sergeant Paul Betley said: “Quite what would possess someone to commit such mindless and wanton acts of vandalism I do not know, but I want to assure people living in this area that we are taking these incidents very seriously.
“We have a large team of officers working on these crimes this morning and both ourselves and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are working closely together both to reassure the community and apprehend those involved.
“It would appear the offenders poured lighter fluid onto the bumpers and tyres of the cars and set them alight. Due to the prompt response of firefighters, thankfully the fires have not spread to anyone’s properties.”
To date, police have received reports that a VW Polo, a Vauxhall Corsa, a Renault Scenic, a Renault Clio, a Mazda, a Peugeot 206 and a transit van have all been targeted.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and possession of cannabis.
GMP are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward, in particular anyone who saw two men acting suspiciously in the area.
“Officers responding to these incidents have arrested a man matching the description given close to the scenes and we will pursue all lines of enquiry to identify others involved,” Detective Sergeant Betley said.
“I would therefore ask anyone who either saw two men hanging suspiciously around the area, or anyone whose car has been set alight in this way who has not yet reported it to police, to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on or 0161 856 9721 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
