Man arrested following spate of arson attacks on cars in Grangetown

A man is in police custody following a spate of car fires in the Grangetown area of Sunderland.
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Northumbria Police has confirmed officers have received at least five reports of car fires since Tuesday, December 31.

Following an investigation, officers have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the incidents and he remains in police custody.

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In all cases, the vehicle was parked and had been ignited intentionally.

A number of cars had been set on fire in the Grangetown area of SunderlandA number of cars had been set on fire in the Grangetown area of Sunderland
A number of cars had been set on fire in the Grangetown area of Sunderland

Police say patrols in the area have been increased following the spate of car fires.

Inspector Jamie Southwell, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are investigating a number of reports of car fires in the Grangetown area of Sunderland since the New Year.

“On each occasion, parked vehicles have been ignited maliciously and we are currently treating the incidents as linked.

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“We can confirm a 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incidents. He remains in police custody and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries.

Arson attack on Leechmere Road, GrangetownArson attack on Leechmere Road, Grangetown
Arson attack on Leechmere Road, Grangetown

“Increased patrols are being carried out and officers will be seen in the area as they carry out enquiries.”

Last week, the force confirmed they had been called to car fires in Leechmere Road, Westminster Terrace and Ryhope Street, all within a few minutes walk of one another in the Grangetown area of Sunderland.

Incidents in the streets above happened in the early hours of the morning and fire crews were called to the scene.

Shocking pictures show the devastation caused following a number of car fires in the area since Tuesday, December 31.