FIREFIGHTERS are urging the public to 'Stay Safe and Stay In' following a spate of arson attacks.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service reported an increase in the number of deliberate fires at the weekend, including rubbish and scrub land fires in the Haswell, Shotton, Wheatley Hill, Eden Hill, Wingate, Easington Colliery and Horden areas.

A brigade spokesperson said that, despite the Government’s response to Covid-19 and advice on social distancing, the incidents suggest that people are not following the guidance on staying at home and inside.

Lee Aspery, CDDFRS Fire Investigation, Arson Reduction and Young People Manager, said: “These fires are being started at dusk, more specifically between 3pm and 11pm which suggests these fires may have been started deliberately.

“The majority of people are adhering to the guidance and staying at home, where possible.

“My message to the people who may be responsible for these fires is to stay inside and adhere to the social distancing guidelines which is key to community health and well-being.

"Fresh air is not a preventative measure to catching the virus or reducing deliberate rubbish and grass fires- we need our fire engines ready to respond when needed, deliberate fires are a waste of our public safety resource."

If anyone has any information regarding deliberate fire setting they are asked to call FireStoppers, anonymously, on 0800-1695558.