ALL councillors in Middlesbrough have been offered CCTV cameras at their homes in what is thought to be the fifth arson attack in recent years.

Councillor Eddie Dryden is thought to be the latest councillor to have a car torched outside his home, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Middlesbrough Council is now offering to install cameras at each serving councillor’s home, after the car was torched in Linthorpe.

It is understood to be the fifth attack on councillors’ property, with a car on independent councillor Jon Rathmell’s drive being targeted last year, followed by an arson attack on Labour deputy mayor Charlie Rooney months later.

The attacks seem to be indiscriminate, regardless of which political party the councillor is affiliated to.

And it is not known if it is the same perpetrator.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said last night: “We received a call at about 12.50am on March 23 that a car was on fire in Middlesbrough. We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

And a spokesman for Middlesbrough Council added: “We can confirm that an incident of suspected arson has taken place outside the home of a serving councillor and that the police are aware and are investigating the incident.

“In the meantime all councillors are being offered CCTV installation at their properties and home fire safety visits from Cleveland Fire Brigade, while fire service patrols will also be increased.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd described the attacks as “cowardly and undemocratic”. He said if they continued it was only a matter of time before someone was seriously hurt.

“Recent events are a chilling reminder of how obsession can run out of control, with devastating consequences,” he said.

Middlesbrough Council sent a letter to all elected members yesterday, offering any councillor concerned about their safety for a CCTV system to be installed at their property.