POLICE have launched an investigation after a spate of arson attacks caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to property in Crewe.

More than a dozen incidents have been reported in the past week with vandals targeting cars, bins, recycling banks and trees.

A family had to be evacuated from a house in Wistaston Road after a bin fire melted windows at the front of the property in the early hours of Friday. No one was hurt.

Investigating officers are now appealing for witnesses.

Cheshire Police fire liaison officer Detective Constable Nigel Mills said: 'Mindless attacks like these put lives at risk because they tie up the fire service.

'Arson is notoriously difficult to prosecute unless you catch the culprits in the act, say on CCTV, or people come forward and point the finger. We know there are people out there who know who is doing this.'

The attacks began on Tuesday last week when Crewe Fire Service was called to four fires in 45 minutes in Crewe Green Road, Manor Court, Weston Road and Pedley Street.

Police are keen to trace three youths seen cycling in the area, and would like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious between 9.30 and 10.30pm. The Wistaston Road attack was one of eight incidents that night.

Fires were reported behind the United Co-Op store in Claughton Avenue at 9.50pm Thursday and at 12.51am along Nantwich Road, before a series of six fires on Wistaston Road and Flag Lane. This was followed by Friday night car fires in Frank Webb Avenue and Beech Drive in Wistaston.

Anyone with any information can contact DC Nigel Mills on 01606 868700, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.