ARSONISTS have caused about £25,000-worth of damage after a twilight wrecking spree.

Cars and wheelie bins were targeted in the attacks in Saltburn, at the weekend.

Police are investigating five separate incidents, which took place minutes apart.

The first attack took place shortly before midnight on Friday, when a chair and two wheelie bins were set alight in the rear alley of Bath Street.

At 12.42am the following morning, two cars were damaged outside Hilda Place when litter was piled up near the car wheels and set on fire.

Minutes later, at 1am, four wheelie bins were placed against a garage wall in Exeter Street and set alight.

The fire then spread to the garage's side wall and roof, which collapsed onto two cars inside.

The fire spread to an adjoining fence, at Essex Street, and the heat of the fire caused a nearby window to crack.

Police said a group of youths had been seen in the area earlier.

Detective Constable Sue Moore, who is leading the investigation, said: "These fires have been started deliberately. If the fire at number 23 had not been extinguished so quickly, there would have been a real possibility that someone may have been seriously injured.

"I urge householders not to leave their bins in alleyways, but to take them in to the yard once they have been emptied."

Anyone with information can call DC Moore, on 01642-302626, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.