AN arsonist is being hunted after threatening the lives of residents by setting fire to a string of vehicles.

A spate of 16 similar incidents in the Tollesby Hall estate, in Middlesbrough, has sparked a major police hunt for the culprit.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to a number of cars, and homes and garages have also been effected by the fierce blazes.

Officers from Cleveland Police have teamed up with forensic scientists and the fire brigade to catch the fire starter, who is believed to have started his blaze campaign last May.

The latest recorded incidents were just before Easter when two vehicles were set alight on the same evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Donaghy, of Middlesbrough police, said: "A number of vehicles have been torched, with damage running into thousands of pounds.

"We are extremely concerned that the actions of this person are posing a real risk to residents in the area."

He said detectives were working alongside forensic scientists and the community policing team to follow several lines of inquiry.

He said: "A number of operations have been set up to identify those responsible."

Firefighters in the area have been diverted to five arson attacks in the past four months.

Inspector Charlie Bell, who is heading the investigation, said there had been 16 recorded incidents since last May, with the arsonist usually striking in the late evening or early hours of the morning.

He said: "We have had officers working on these offences since last year, however, the incidents have been quite sporadic in terms of their occurrence since then.

"The consequences of these actions can be extremely dangerous, not only for the householder, but for the firefighters called in to tackle the blazes."

Cleveland Police are sharing the concerns of residents but Insp Bell offered reassurances yesterday.

He said: "We are deploying officers and wardens in the area at the appropriate times.

"We are also asking for the assistance of the public to be vigilant and report any behaviour in the area."

Witnesses, and anyone with information about the fire attacks, are asked to call officers on (01642) 303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.