Man, 76, arrested after series of fires in Calne
Wiltshire Police say seven reported fires in the town are thought to all be linked
A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a series of fires in Calne believed to have been started deliberately.
Officers believe all the five fires which were reported yesterday (10 August) over three hours and two fires reported today (11 August) are all linked.
Firefighters were called to tackle fires in a hedgerow in Oxford Road at about 2.30pm yesterday (10 August) in addition to further fires in brambles and grassland in Redman Road, again in Oxford Road, Stokes Croft and Swaddon Street.
A further two fires were reported today (11 August) - one by the Knapp and another more extensive fire in Low Lane in which police say about 100 metres of hedgerows were burnt.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Jamie Ball said: “Thankfully there were no reported injuries as a result of these fires, which were extinguished thanks to the swift actions of colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“It is concerning to think that these fires could easily have spread if left unchecked in these extremely dry conditions.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support and vigilance which helped us identify and detain the suspect.
“The suspect has been referred to the care of mental health professionals for appropriate ongoing support.”