ARSONISTS plaguing rural communities by blowing up post-boxes have taken their tally to 20.

On Tuesday night they blew up postboxes in Rowton, Kelsall, Kingsley and two in Manley using powerful fireworks.

The Manley targets, in Manley Lane and Tarvin Road, had only been replaced earlier that day after previous attacks.

The explosion was so powerful in Top Road, Kingsley, that the postbox was blown 30ft from its stand.

Insp Phil Hodgson, of the Western Rural Police, said: 'This causes me great concern as these boxes not only provide a vital service for rural communities but it is a matter of time before someone gets hurt.'

Since August 27 there have been 20 attacks on postboxes and four on telephone kiosks. Attacks have taken place in Davenham, Wincham, Kelsall, Tarvin, Frodsham, Dunham on the Hill, Mouldsworth, Hartford, Sandiway, Tattenhall, Darnhall, Moulton, Norley, Crowton, Tiverton and Rowton.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: 'The postboxes will not be replaced now for a month. They are very costly to replace.'

The offences are being treated as extremely serious. A team of experienced detectives working on the case have arrested five teenagers.

Detective Inspector Pete Merrill is leading the team and said: 'I'd like to reassure the communities we are treating these incidents very seriously.

'I'm confident there's a lot more information out there which can help us and I'd urge anyone who has any information to get in touch.

'All pieces of information, no matter how small, are vital to us.' nThe conifer arsonist struck again at the weekend, too, setting fire to a hedge in Willington. Police aren't ruling out a link between the conifer and postbox arsonists. The conifer arson-ist has been targeting rural communities since July. The police are appealing for witnesses.

* Anyone with information should call the CAT team on 0845 488 6393 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.