Police investigate 'deliberate' fires started in Wyre Forest fields during heatwave
West Mercia Police have launched an appeal after a number of fires have been started in an area of grassland in Wyre Forest - sparking concern due to hot and dry conditions.
The force said they are aware of as many as nine incidents where fires have been 'deliberately' started on The Snipes near to The Walshes estate, Stourport-on-Severn, since June 27.
Some reports allege that youths wearing masks and face coverings are involved.
West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are continuing to investigate the incidents, which are taking place on private land and surveillance has been increased in the area.
Speaking about the reports, Sergeant Matt Ling of Wyre Forest SNT expressed concerns that and further incidents could get out of control due to hot and dry weather conditions as the West Midlands enters its third heatwave of the summer.
Sgt Ling said: “We are aware of multiple incidents of fires on The Snipes in the past couple of weeks which are believed to have been started deliberately and are working with our colleagues at HWFRS to investigate them.
“It goes without saying that starting fires deliberately in tinder dry grassy areas can cause a lot of damage and potentially risk to surrounding buildings, especially with the heatwaves we have been having recently, as well as being a waste of time and resources for the emergency services.
“We would appeal for anyone who may have caught the incidents on their mobile phone to share the footage with us. If you have CCTV footage of people going to and from the area at the time of the fires, please share that footage with us.
"Additionally, if you have any information that could assist with our investigation please get in touch with me via email at matthew.ling@westmercia.police.uk or my team at stourport.snt@westmercia.police.uk
“Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.”
