A WARNING has been issued by a fire crew after attending a number of 'deliberate' fires.

At about 8.55pm on Saturday Carlisle East Fire Station were called to a small fire in Keenan Park, off Pennine Way.

The fire involved bushes and branches which ha been deliberately set alight.

The fire was extinguished using a hosereel.

Cumbria Police attended the incident and are said to be investigating.

Crews were then called again at 12.50am on Sunday after a wheelie bin was set alight.

Firefighters were sent to Melbourne Park, off Sybil Street when the fire broke out.

The blaze was extinguished using a hosereel.

A spokesman for Carlisle East Fire Station said: "Once again more deliberate fires which have tied up resources, and could have delayed us from attending an incident where someone’s life is at risk.

"Please keep wheelie bins secure and out of sight, so there isn’t the opportunity for the brainless arsonists to take them and set them alight. Arson is a crime, and when the police catch the culprits, we will be pushing for the highest possible penalties.

"The crews also had to negotiate some very tight streets on the way to the incidents, caused by badly parked cars- parking opposite each other on tight streets, and on tight corners.

"Please could we ask people to park sensibly, and if it is a tight street, possibly fold your wing mirrors in to help emergency vehicles pass through."