Arsonists strike on the Chase

Arsonists have destroyed hundreds of square metres of Cannock Chase after deliberately starting fires at the beauty spot.

Rugeley firefighters were called to a fire near to Flaxley Primary School in the Coppice Lane area of the town last night.

The fire was started at around 5.30pm and involved both fire engines from Rugeley Fire Station as well as one from Abbots Bromley.

As they were tackling the first blaze the firebugs struck again starting a second fire. It took the firefighters four hours to bring the fires under control but by then over 500 sq metres of the Chase was affected.

Anyone with details on who might have set the fires should call police on 08453 30 20 10 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.