FIREFIGHTERS are warning Winsford residents to stay vigilant this Bonfire Night after a spate of wheelie bin fires.

Winsford has seen a number of deliberate wheelie bin fires in recent weeks, particularly in the Wharton area.

Last month vandals caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a popular play park in Wharton, which was refurbished earlier this year following a previous attack.

Ant Jones, Winsford Fire Station Manager, said: “This time of year is an extremely busy time for firefighters as they attend calls to deliberate fires and unattended bonfires.

“I would like to warn residents in Winsford of the dangers of arson in a bid to keep everyone safe.

"It's possible that opportunist arsonists may think they’re causing little more than a nuisance by setting light to such items as wheelie bins, but in reality these fires can quickly take hold and pose a major risk to the life of both residents and firefighters, and also surrounding property."

Mr Jones warned residents not leave rubbish or wheelie bins accessible to arsonists.

"The message remains clear – tackling arson is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “It is a criminal offence and we will do all we can to make sure the people involved are prosecuted.

“I would urge everyone to be vigilant over the next few days in Winsford and don’t leave rubbish or wheelie bins accessible to arsonists."

If anyone has any information relating to anyone involved in starting deliberate fires they should contacting the Police on 101.