AN expert investigator has added his voice to appeals for residents to report arsonists - responsible for starting most of an area's fires.

As reported in The Northern Echo, posters are to be displayed at locations across Teesside - including the scenes of blazes - urging people to ring a Crimestoppers telephone number with any information that might help identify those responsible.

Five thousand leaflets explaining how anonymous callers can help identify arsonists, who caused 11,453 fires on Teesside last year, will also be distributed in police and fire stations and public buildings.

Teesside has the second worst record in the UK for arson attacks.

Detective Constable Graham Thompson, a member of Teesside's Arson Task Force, has briefed counterparts in the US on investigative techniques being used to catch culprits in the North-East.

He said yesterday: "Deliberately started fires are a crime and that affects not only the individual but the community as a whole.

"I am very optimistic that this high-profile campaign will produce information. I believe 99 per cent of the general public want to help. They don't want to live next door to a burnt-out house or vehicle. I am sure they will give us information.

"I accept people may be a bit reluctant to ring for fear of being found out and finding themselves a target.

"That is why we are taking the Crimestoppers route, so people can ring in anonymously."

He said: "Arson is the largest single cause of major fires in the UK and is on the increase.

"Persistent and pervasive minor arsons set a detrimental and harmful tone to the areas that we live in.

"Arson does not discriminate, it affects all of us regardless of age, race or religion.

"We work in partnership to reduce arson and people can join that partnership and help us become more effective by reporting those who are responsible."

Mark Whelan, the brigade's director of operations, says it is essential the community is involved in reducing arson attacks.

He said: "We need public support to tackle this growing problem."

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111