Warning to firestarters behind arson attacks at beauty spots

Areas are very dry after long period of warm weather

- By Dave Knapper

COMMUNITY leaders have issued a warning to firestarters behing a spate of arson attacks at wooded areas and beauty spots.

Incidents across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle and the Moorlands have been reported with fires causing widespread damage.

In recent weeks police say fires have been started in grassed areas around Norton and wooded areas in Meir Park.

Last month firefighters were sent to Park Hall Country Park where four fire engines tackled a large blaze with an investigation into that incident ongoing.

Meanwhile in the Moorlands, six crews were sent to a massive grass fire around Upper Hulme in March.

And in Newcastle, a 'campfire of household waste' was torched in a wooded area of Prestbury Avenue in Westbury Park.