POLICE and fire chiefs have come together to offer tips and advice on how minimise the risk of an arson attack.

The move comes in the wake a series of arson attacks on Eston Hills which has resulted in firefighters spending hours needlessly extinguishing deliberate fires.

In recent years, the Easter school holiday period has resulted in hundreds of call-outs across the brigade’s area.

And as the holiday period continue, Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police have come together to offer simple safety steps with the intention of stopping businesses and homes being easy targets for arsonists.

The tips for householders include not leaving your wheelie bins and rubbish out before collection day and calling your local council to pick up furniture and other items from spring clear-outs.

While businesses are being urged to ensure skips and waste bins have locks and are kept in a secure place away from buildings.

Phil Lancaster, director of community protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “Let’s make it as difficult as possible for those who are thinking of behaving totally irresponsibly and causing serious damage.

“We are reminding everyone to be sensible and to put bins out only on the morning of collection and bring them back in as quickly as possible. Avoid leaving any rubbish or unwanted household items lying around outside your property.

“Fires involving rubbish and bins can easily spread to your home, putting you at risk. Don’t let it happen to you.

“We are working closely with the police and action will be taken against anyone deliberately starting a fire.”

Last year saw a big reduction in deliberate fires compared to Easter 2015. There were 101 incidents in 2016, a 61 per cent drop on the previous year 256.

In the first week of this year’s Easter holidays, Eston Hills on the outskirts of Middlesbrough has been targeted on several occasions, including on Wednesday when the flames could be seen from miles around.

Police spoke to several young people from the area but at the moment no arrests have been made in connection with the devastating fire.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Downes, from Cleveland Police, said: “Offences of arson will not be tolerated. Arsonists take risks that could leave someone seriously injured or potentially kill someone. Anyone who commits such offences will feel the full force of the law.”

Anyone with information about arson or anti-social behaviour can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Police on 101.