Police and fire brigade investigate firework arson attacks (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Police and fire brigade investigate firework arson attacks

11:49am Tuesday 23rd March 2010 in News By Gazette Reporter

Lit fireworks have been used in at least four arson attacks in Chippenham over recent weeks, and the emergency services are now asking local people to be extra vigilant.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to Audley Road on 24 February and again on 11 March, after fireworks were posted into a pillar box.

Two further incidents were dealt with by Wiltshire Police, one involving a house in Downing Street on 14 March and the second at a home in Cinders End on 16 March, where both properties had lit fireworks placed through the letterbox.

All four incidents led to some damage to the surrounding structure, but there are fears that any future attacks could cause a serious fire and even lead to injury or death.

Jackie Tozer, from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: "A woman died in Cornwall last year when a lit firework was put through her letterbox, so the risks are proven and very real.

"It may seem funny to put a firework through a letterbox or into a post box, but it is arson and it could endanger life. We are asking people in Chippenham to be extra vigilant and to contact the police if they have any information about who is responsible for these attacks."

The Fire & Rescue Service is now working with Wiltshire Police to highlight the dangers of misusing fireworks to young people at Chippenham's three secondary schools, and residents in the Audley Road, Cinders End and Downing Street areas are being asked if they know anything about the recent incidents.

In addition, shops that sell fireworks are being targeted to ensure that they are fully aware of their legal obligations, particularly in relation to checking the age of customers.

Sgt Allan George, from Chippenham Police Station, said: ‘Wiltshire Police utterly condemn these dangerous and childish acts and I would urge those responsible to think about the potential tragic consequences of their actions. They should also be aware that the offence of arson with intent to endanger life carries with it a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service have launched a joint investigation into these attacks and I would urge anyone with information to contact me as soon as possible. They can be assured that any information we receive will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

If you have any information about these incidents, please call Sgt George at Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999.

A range of fire safety advice can be found at www.wiltsfire.gov.uk