POLICE are warning residents worried after a weekend spate of arsons to stay on their guard.

A man arrested yesterday (Sunday, February 15) in connection with the attacks in Stanley, County Durham, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Officers are carrying out a major enquiry and have also stepped up patrols to provide reassurance to people in the former colliery town.

Chief Inspector for neighbourhoods in North Durham, Sue Robinson, said: “We know that the fires have been a significant concern to local people.

“We have plenty of police patrols running in Stanley but we are also asking that local people help us to help them keep safe.

“They should remain vigilant; if they see or hear anything suspicious we would like them to report it immediately to police.

“We’ll also be working with our partners in the fire service and the county council to help those who were victims of the fires at the weekend, and offer safety advice to local residents.

“If anyone would like to speak to us about these issues, they can contact the neighbourhood policing team for Stanley by calling 101, or send us a message via our Facebook page. If it’s an emergency, please dial 999.”

Five fires were started on the town’s Poets Estate early on Saturday morning, mostly by setting light to wheelie bins outside old people’s bungalows.

The fires happened between 3 and 5am in Joicey Gardens, Kneller Close, Reynolds Close and Byron Close.

An 84-year-old had to be taken to the University Hospital of North Durham in Durham City where she was treated for smoke inhalation.

Paper was also lit under the wheel arches of parked cars in the area.

Police said that it was fortunate that nobody was more seriously injured given that that people would be sleeping when the fires were lit.

Detectives are considering whether there is a link between the incidents on Saturday and an arson attack on the town’s Burnside Primary School, which happened on Tuesday evening (February 17) after a Valentine’s disco.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.