Fire crews’ appeal to residents for arson information

So far this year 15 cars have been torched - five times as many in the same period last year - and there have been 31 other arson incidents.

The police are now offering up to £1,000 to help catch those responsible.

A fire spokesman said: “We will also be asking residents to contact Crimestoppers with any information.”

“Additionally, the police will be distributing leaflets informing people about the reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.”

Fire station manager for Bassetlaw West Dick Dawson said arsonists were also putting themselves at risk as well as other people.

“The potential for a fire in a car to spread, either to a property or other structure, is great and this could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage as well as putting the lives of householders and our firefighters in grave danger. There is also the possibility of the car igniting quickly, causing injury to those setting the fire,” he said.

“It is also worth considering that while our fire crews are attending deliberately started fires such as these, they are unavailable to attend other emergencies where lives may be a risk.”

Anyone with any information about the incidents should contact Worksop Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.