POLICE have appealed for householders to be vigilant following a spate of bin fires in east Durham.

Peterlee Neighbourhood Inspector Warren Edwards said since the beginning of March there had been several incidents in the town.

He had urged people to secure their property and keep their bins away from houses.

Insp Edwards said: “Two bins were set on fire in Grisedale Road and Chapel Hill Road in Peterlee on Thursday, March 5.

“Then there there were five incidents, one in Grisedale Road again and the other four in Scafell Close on Monday, March 9.”

Three more were set on fire in a communal bin area Little Eden on Tuesday March 17, then last night (Sunday, March 23) a bin was targeted in Scafell Close.

All of the fires were next to or near to houses and other structures, such as sheds.

Insp Edwards said: “It’s suspected they are connected, but of course we could not say for sure until or unless we make arrests.”

He added: “This irresponsible action is putting people in real danger, since the flames can easily spread from the bin to the house.

“We are lucky so far that no-one has been hurt or even killed.

“I would urge people to do what they can to look at their own security and keep their bins away from the property, if possible.

“If anyone knows who might be behind these incidents, please contact police or Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on

0800 555111.