DELIBERATE bin fires are on the rise in Winsford.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been called out to at least four such incidents since Christmas Day.

Now, police are looking to clamp down on the situation which has been plaguing the Wharton area of the town.

PC Wayne Thomas said: “We are aware of a slight increase in the number of deliberate bin fires in the Bradbury Road area over recent weeks and we’re doing all we can to tackle the issue.

“Patrols have been stepped up in the area and we’re conducting a number of enquiries, including CCTV analysis.

“As part of the investigation we’re keen to hear from anyone with any information, whether that’s ring doorbell footage, dash cam or you have witnessed the fires being started, we want you to get in touch.

“It’s important that we find those responsible, not only because this type of behaviour causes misery in the community but before someone gets hurt.”

On Christmas Day alone, CFRS crews were called out to Dee Way twice.

The first incident, shortly before 4pm, saw one engine from the Winsford station sent to the scene as firefighters used a hose reel water jet to extinguish a bed frame and wheelie bins set on fire outside a house.

A Winsford crew then returned around four hours later when two wheelie bins were set alight.

CFRS was called to Dee Way again the following day, when police say a group of four males were seen setting two more wheelie bins ablaze at around 6.30pm on Boxing Day.

The latest incident came on Wednesday (January 3), a little further out.

One fire engine from Winsford was sent to Crossfield Avenue at 7.35pm to find yet another wheelie bin, which was suspected to have been ignited deliberately.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or by visiting www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us and quoting IML 1531417.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.