Safety appeal after Gainsborough rubbish fires

At around 9.05pm, Gainsborough fire fighters attended a rubbish fire in Portland Terrace.

Just minutes before, they had been tackling a similar incident in nearby Clinton Terrace.

“The problem seems to be people putting their rubbish out for collection too early,” said Dick Holmes from Lincolnshire Police.

“But there is no excuse for people to set fire to it. It seems to be becoming a regular occurrence in that area.”

“It is very serious. Someone could end up being hurt or even killed if fire spreads to one of the properties.”

To try and improve the situation, Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service are appealing for residents to put their rubbish out no earlier than the morning of collection day.

If you see any suspicious activity, or know who is responsible for the fires, call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.