A spate of arson attacks in the Colony area of Exmouth has prompted the police to appeal for witnesses in a bid to catch the offender.

A spate of arson attacks in the Colony area of Exmouth has prompted the police to appeal for witnesses in a bid to catch the offender.

Officers have teamed up with the fire brigade after a number of wheelie bins in back lanes adjoining Salisbury Road, Park Lane and the surrounding area have been set alight.

The police and fire officers are keen to curb the culprit before the problem escalates.

In recent years residents in the Colony were hit by an arsonist who set fire to garden sheds. The person responsible was never caught.

Sergeant Lee Groves, at Exmouth, said: "It's a serious crime. It's something that has potentially been increasing and escalating and we are working together with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to put together a map to allow us to see where it's happening, how often and the times.

"We will be working together with the arson reduction manager, George Setter, to try and nip it in the bud."

Anyone with information about the arson attacks is asked to contact the police on 08452 777444.