Be fire safe this half term

Parents should make sure they know where their children are and also remove any rubbish away from houses and other properties.

It comes after latest figures show a 36% increase in deliberate fires across Cleveland in the last two years. There were 345 fires in April and May 2016 compared to 468 from April to May 20 this year.

John Feeney, District Manager at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "Make no mistake, deliberate fire setting is a blight on the whole community and is irresponsible. Buildings, wheelie bins, rubbish and grasslands have all been targeted recently.

"We are asking people to remove any rubbish away from their properties and for parents to remind their children of the severe consequences of starting fires.

"These fires divert our firefighters away from real emergencies where lives may be at risk and can also cause serious damage to property and the environment.

"All our appliances are fitted with CCTV cameras and any evidence of people starting fires will be passed to police and appropriate action taken. We need the help of everyone in the community to stop these incidents. 

Superintendent Bev Gill from Cleveland Police said: "Whilst some people may believe that by setting fire to an object they may not hurt anyone, arsonists do take risks which could leave someone seriously injured or potentially kill someone. 

"This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work together with Cleveland Fire Brigade to ensure that anyone committing such acts is put before the courts wherever possible." 

If anyone has any information about arson or anti-social behaviour in their area, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Police on 101.