Deliberate fires putting strain on Nottinghamshire emergency services during lockdown

Three fires were set in the Mansfield area in the space of an hour on April 7, all believed to be set maliciously by the same people.The fires occurred on the cycle path near to the A614-A617 roundabout at Rainworth, one on the Old Newark Road just behind Aldi, and again on the cycle route behind Southwell Road East, close to Leeway Close.

One of the fires involved 12 calor gas bottles, which could have had catastrophic consequences to life.

A further fire was spotted in a woodland area of Meden Vale on the evening of April 8.

A large fire was also set deliberately in Clipstone, close to Sherwood Pines on April 9, which was spotted by eagle-eyed police officers who alerted the fire service.

If anyone has any information about this incident please contact us on 101 and quote incident 583-09042020, alternatively you can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

A spokesperson from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Recently we have seen a rise in deliberate fire setting due to the weather being warmer and this may mean more people are outdoors.

"However in times like these it's important we come together as a community and stay home to save lives.

"Deliberate fires are not what we need right now, as they could delay our response in getting to a more serious fire."