Warning after wheelie bin arson attacks

Residents in Loughborough are being warned not to leave their wheelie bins outside their property following a spate of deliberate fires.

Two crews attended multiple fires involving bins in the Cumberland Road, Storer Road and George Street areas in the early hours of Monday.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said bins left next to homes and fences, with some overflowing with recycling and general rubbish, posed a "significant fire risk".

The service urged residents to comply with a public space protection order by only leaving bins outside on collection days.

In a social media post it said: "We are extremely concerned about deliberate fires involving multiple wheelie bins in the Cumberland Road/Storer Road/George Street area."

"Many bins are being left directly next to homes and fences and some are overflowing with recycling and general rubbish, creating a significant fire risk to people and property allowing fires to spread very quickly.

"Due to repeated anti-social behaviour and serious safety concerns, a public space protection order is currently in force.

"Residents are urged to comply with this, avoid leaving bins outside properties except during permitted times, prevent bins from overflowing, and remain alert."

If people see smoke or suspicious behaviour they have been urged to contact the emergency services.

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