Police step up patrols amid spate of arson in Bonfire Night build-up

Police in Wharton have stepped up patrols following a spate of deliberately started fires.

Firefighters have been called out to five blazes in the past four days, many of which saw wheelie bins and rubbish set on fire.

As such, officers have been visiting areas such as the Crook Lane Estate to find and remove excessive waste which could potentially be used to start fires.

A spokesperson for Winsford Police said: “We are aware that a number of fires have been started in the area (Wharton) recently.

“We will be working with partner agencies to deal robustly with any anti-social behaviour throughout the whole of Winsford, which may include us applying for an anti-social behaviour closure order on the home addresses of people identified as causing harm in the community.”

Officers have been finding and removing waste which could be used to start fires (Image: Winsford Police)

On Sunday (October 27), Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Dart Walk after six wheelie bins and a mattress were set on fire deliberately.

Since then, fire crews have been called to a further four incidents.

The latest occurred just after 9.30pm on Wednesday, when two wheelie bin fires were dealt with on Bedford Rise.

Again, the fire service suspect these blazes to have been started deliberately.

Police have warned parents that if their child engages in such anti-social behaviour, they could be reported to social services or even sent to court.

The spokesperson added: “Please take this opportunity to speak to your children/teenagers about the consequences of their actions.

"Be under no illusion, if your child is identified as being involved in any criminality we will be knocking on your door, making reports to social services and housing providers where appropriate.

"And if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal investigation, look to put them before the courts."