ARSONISTS who have been targeting prominent members of Middlesbrough Council have been branded terrorists and told their criminal actions will not derail democracy.

Members of the council held a meeting last night to condemn the attacks after two councillors’ homes were targeted over the jubilee weekend.

Council leaders believe that Councillors Geoff Cole and Bob Kerr were singled out as part of an orchestrated campaign.

The first of the two attacks happened just before 2am on Saturday, June 2.

The blaze, outside Councillor Cole’s home, in Coulby Newham, caused severe damage to a car and guttering on the house.

Another car was set alight outside Councillor Kerr’s house, in Linthorpe, just after 2.30am on Tuesday, June 5.

Coun Cole spoke out earlier this week in a bid to get people to pass on information to the police, and last night fellow councillors showed their support.

Coun Kerr was not confirmed as the other target of the arson attacks until last night.

Mayor, Ray Mallon, who is also believed to have been targeted, warned those responsible that they would not intimidate members.

He said: “We need not feel intimidated or afraid.

“The people behind it all are really nervous because they know that they cannot kid themselves that they don’t know what is right and what is wrong.”

Councillor Charlie Rooney, executive member for regeneration and economic development, branded the culprits moral imbeciles. He said: “I think it is terrorism.

“We all have the right to respect for our family and our property.

“We will not be terrorised by these moral imbeciles.”

Independent councillor Joan McTigue, who has endured several years of vandalism to her property and cars, said: “If we start crying about it, these people have won. We should get the message out them ‘to Hell with you’, we are going to continue doing our job.

“I will not be intimidated.”

Council chairman Stephen Bloundele said he believed that a small number of individuals and organisations were behind the incidents.

He added: “Members must be free to make difficult decisions which are for the benefit of all of the people of Middlesbrough without having to look over their shoulders in fear.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymousley, on 0800-555-111.