Concern over spate of arson attacks in Higham Ferrers

A fire at the town’s bowl club on August 6 saw two sheds, a section of hedge and fencing go up in flames.

Since then, there have been at least five other arson attacks including at the Saffron Road play area, Castle Fields and damage caused to a fence, hedge and shed at a property in Vine Hill Drive.

A number of other fires involving bins and play equipment have also been reported.

The string of fires has led to concern in the town, especially with fears that the blazes could result in someone getting hurt.

But efforts are being made to try and find those responsible for them.

A spokesman for Higham Ferrers Town Council said: “The town is suffering a spate of arsons at the moment.

“The picture is of damage at the bowls club that occurred in August.

“The town council is working with the police and East Northamptonshire Council to catch the offender.

“The town council ask that you are vigilant and contact the police if you see anything suspicious.

“Your help is needed to catch the offender and stop this crime.”

Following the fires, PC Paul Mitchinson from Northants Police said: “We are aware of a number of incidents of arson over the past couple of months in Higham Ferrers and are working closely with our partners in the area in order to find those people responsible and arrest them.

“We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry using community intelligence, our own intelligence and CCTV footage, all of which are helping us to identity the offenders.

“I would be interested in speaking to witnesses, anyone with information and anyone who may have CCTV of these incidents that has not yet been presented to us.

“Anyone with information can call us on 101 or report it online via www.northants.police.uk/reportonline.

“Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”