A CRIMINOLOGIST is working with police to track down a dangerous serial arsonist operating in a North-East neighbourhood.

The news was revealed as police disclosed they are linking three arson attacks on cars in the Whitehouse Farm area of Stockton, between September 2007 and last weekend.

Police patrols are being stepped up, in their determination to catch whoever is responsible.

Cars were set on fire last September and in May, and again last weekend, when a Renault Clio and a Volkswagen Golf, as well as a Mirage caravan, were set on fire at about 2am on July 12.

Referring to last weekend’s fires, a Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “An accelerant was used and damage ranged from a burnt wheel to a complete write-off. Police are linking it to two earlier fires in September 2007 and in May this year in the same area.’’ Matthew Mapleton, the 32- year-old owner of the torched Renault Clio said: “I want to see them caught and taken to court. I want to see them locked up. Not fined – put in prison.

“I want to make sure there is a deterrent to stop other people doing this.’’ He and his father fought the flames, just under his bedroom window, with pans of water until the arrival of the fire brigade.

The call centre worker said he first heard a sound of breaking glass then heard his boot violently fly open.

“I looked out of the bedroom window and saw flames coming out of the car’s rear window. I shouted to my parents to get up.

“What concerns me is that had my bedroom window not been open, and it is usually closed, I would have heard nothing at all. There is a good chance the car could have exploded - just five yards from my bedroom window.

“I can’t understand what drives someone do this. They can get absolutely nothing out of it.’’ Because the car was ten years old the insurance pay out will not buy him a replacement.

Meanwhile, he must walk to work.

Police Sergeant Colin Whitfield said: “The neighbourhood policing team is working with the fire brigade and our crime analysts to build up a profile of this dangerous offender.

A burning car is a potential petrol bomb and is a danger to the public and fire fighters. We are determined to bring the person responsible to justice.’’