Three cars have been destroyed after being torched during a spate of arson attacks in a quiet Northumberland town.
Northumbria Police is investigating after the vehicles were targeted in the West Wylam area of Prudhoe on Monday night.
Officers say the incidents were reported between 10.30pm on Monday and 12.15am on Tuesday on Biverfield Road, Broomhill Road and Rolley Way.
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On each occasion, the offenders recklessly set fire to a car parked outside a property.
Nobody was hurt, but Northumbria Police's inspector Garry Neill said those responsible were extremely lucky that was the case.
He said: "Whoever is responsible for this spate is incredibly fortunate that their dangerous actions have not resulted in serious injury or a fatality.
“Fires can easily spread to nearby houses and each blaze happened in a residential area. We are taking this very seriously and those found to be involved can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“We are carrying out a range of enquiries into each incident and will use every tactic at our disposal in order to bring effective justice against perpetrators. Officers remain in the area and there will continue to be an increased police presence as we look to bring those responsible to justice.
“I would ask that anybody living in the area to check their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage and get in touch if you see anybody acting suspiciously. If you have any information about these incidents, we want to hear from you.”
A full investigation has been launched into the spate of attacks which saw both police and fire crews deployed to the scene.
Cllr Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South on Northumberland County Council, said the crime was highly unusual for the town.
He said: "This is a low crime area and I want to reassure people I am working with police on this incident.
"The police will be doing extra patrols in West Wylam and I will be available if anybody has any concerns.
"I would encourage anybody who may have seen anything to contact police or Crimestoppers and report it."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via the 'Tell Us Something' page of Northumbria Police's website, or by calling 101 and quoting log NP-20220307-1213.
Alternatively, you can email 7028@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.
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