POLICE are hunting suspected arsonists after a series of minor fires in one evening culminated in a serious blaze.

Firefighters in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, were called to a number of minor incidents on Monday, believed to have been caused by children playing with matches.

But at 9.20pm they were called to a fire at Endcliff Crescent, Barrowcliff, which had started in outbuildings and spread to the first floor of three adjoining properties.

No one was hurt, but at the height of the blaze six fire engines, support appliances and 51 firefighters were involved in tackling the flames.

Divisional Officer Tony Dyer said arson could not be ruled out. He said: "This could so easily have been a tragedy."