A CALL for calm has been issued after an arson attack on a councillor's car earlier this week.

The latest incident in Middlesbrough is believed to have happened late on Tuesday night.

The attack comes just a matter of months after another councillor's car was targeted in March.

Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade are investigating the latest attack.

And this year's incidents follow a series of similar attacks on vehicles belonging to senior politicians in the town when two were targeted within weeks of one another in 2012.

Concerns have also been aired in recent weeks over an escalation in allegations of bullying, threats and intimidation targeted at Middlesbrough councillors and officers.

Today Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd condemned the latest attacks, and called for anyone with information on those responsible to come forward.

He said: “Vigorous debate and robust challenge are part of a healthy democracy, and I will always defend people’s right to make their views known.

“But in a civilised society we cannot allow the cut and thrust of politics to spill over into criminality and violence – that is no way to win an argument.

“To attack someone because of their role as a Councillor is cowardly and undemocratic and has no place in Middlesbrough or anywhere else.

“If such incidents are allowed to continue, it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt, and recent events are a chilling reminder of how obsession can run out of control with devastating consequences.

“Those responsible would do better to exercise calm and common sense and to engage in local democracy in a lawful way.

“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in Middlesbrough, and I trust anyone with information will come forward so those behind this cowardly attack are brought to justice.”

A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Acts of arson have a massive impact on our community. These unnecessary fires not only cause damage to property and the environment but also put lives at risk.

“All incidents are fully investigated in partnership with Cleveland Police which includes the monitoring of CCTV footage and where arsonists are identified, they will be prosecuted.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.