Search for serial arsonist

Fire fighters are concerned that the fire setter is caught before someone is killed.

Fires burning across Haverton Hill and adjoining Port Clarence run into double figures and include the Port Clarence Community Centre, a car parts centre, which had to be bulldozed, the derelict Queen's Head Hotel, torched five times since the New Year and a number of cars. The arsonist's latest target was an old stable block now used as a works compound. The blaze early today destroyed 40 percent of the building's roof.

Steve Owens, watch manager at Billingham Fire Station said: "It is being treated as suspicious. It is under investigation to see if there is any link with other incidents.

There have been a run of incidents down here, quite a few fires, including the community centre.''

There have been more than 14 fires in the last two months.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "We are aware there have been a number of fires in the area. This is a cause for concern and extra attention has been paid to the area.

"We are appealing for help from the public and any information regarding any fires in the area would be gratefully received.'' The latest fire, in Windsor Street, is being investigated by the Arson Task Force. Anyone with information should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Hot Wheels car parts Centre was so badly damaged in a blaze - just days before the neighbouring Queen's Head was torched for the fifth time - it was judged to be unsafe and was bulldozed.

The arsonist is helping to keep Teesside as the UK's arson capital. Almost 90 per cent of all fires tackled by Cleveland Fire Brigade are started maliciously, but a reduction in fires has been achieved in other areas of Teesside.

Jeff Marwood, station manager at Billingham, recently told The Northern Echo: "Deliberate fires endanger people's lives and are generally started by people who have no concern about the implications of what they are doing."