FIREFIGHTERS were called to an arson fire of sofas and fencing in Middlewich.

Arsonists set sofas, fencing and rubbish on fire in Cledford Lane yesterday, Wednesday, April 20, and one fire engine was called to the scene at 3.16pm.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reel jets to put out the fire before dampening down the area.

This comes during Arson Awareness Month which runs throughout April. Cheshire Fire Service’s arson reduction manager, Colin Heyes, has warned of the dangers of arson.

Colin said: “This sort of crime is extremely dangerous and any fire puts the lives of the public and firefighters at considerable risk.

"It also takes up a lot of valuable time and resources. What people often don’t think about is what is near the fire they are starting the unpredictable nature of fire means it can often spread quickly and have devastating consequences.”