POLICE are investigating a spate of arson attacks which they believe could be linked.

The first incident took place at around 7.20pm on Monday, April 10 at an unoccupied address on Station Road in Skelton. The first floor of the property was ablaze and was extinguished by fire crews.

The second incident happened between 7pm and 8.45pm on Wednesday, April 19 at an allotment on Vaughan Street in Skelton. An unoccupied caravan was burgled and was then set alight.

A further incident took place at around 7.50am yesterday, when a fire was started at the stables of Skelton Castle in Skelton. Several bales of hay had been pushed up against the building and were set alight.

Two teenage boys were seen on Guisborough Road, Saltburn, around the time of the incident, and officers would like anyone who may have seen them or any motorists who may have captured the individuals on dash cams to come forward.

A fourth incident happened thirty minutes later, at an address on The Fairways in Saltburn. A garage detached to the property was set alight and it is believed that it had been broken into prior to the fire.

Detective Sergeant Guy Newnam, from Kirkleatham Volume Crime Team, said: “We have had four incidents of arson over a small space of time which we are potentially linking.

“It is very lucky that no one has been hurt thus far and it is important that we find those responsible.

“Anyone who may have information on any of these incidents is urged to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.