West Mercia Police issue a statement after reports of several fires in one part of their force area.
From West Mercia Police:
Police are aware of several incidents of fires being reported on The Snipes near to The Walshes estate over the past couple of weeks and are working with our partners at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) to investigate them.
Since Friday 27 June we have been made aware of as many as nine incidents of fires breaking out on the fields at The Snipes which is near Astley Cross on the outskirts of Stourport-on-Severn, which are suspected of being deliberately started.
Enquiries are ongoing into these incidents which are taking place on private land, and we are asking for the public’s assistance in investigating them.
In some cases, reports have indicated that youths wearing masks and face coverings are involved and this is forming part of our enquiries.
We will be stepping up surveillance tactics and patrols in The Snipes area as well as engaging with landowners to help protect their land.
Sergeant Matt Ling of Wyre Forest SNT said: “We are aware of multiple incidents of fires on The Snipes in the past couple of weeks which are believed to have been started deliberately and are working with our colleagues at HWFRS to investigate them.
“It goes without saying that starting fires deliberately in tinder dry grassy areas can cause a lot of damage and potentially risk to surrounding buildings, especially with the heatwaves we have been having recently, as well as being a waste of time and resources for the emergency services.
“We would appeal for anyone who may have caught the incidents on their mobile phone to share the footage with us. If you have CCTV footage of people going to and from the area at the time of the fires, please share that footage with us. Additionally, if you have any information that could assist with our investigation please get in touch with me via email at matthew.ling@westmercia.police.ukor my team at stourport.snt@westmercia.police.uk”.
“Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.”
For advice about how to prevent countryside fires please visit HWFRS website at this link – Countryside Safety | Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service .
