Dozens of deliberate fires have been started across Cumbria.

The spate of petty arsons has become so extreme that police and firefighters have called them “shocking and unbelievable”, admitting they have real concern over the potential pressures come summer.

Across the county, the number of deliberate blazes recorded in the last six weeks stands at 89.

Throughout lockdown, crews have continued to engage with young people about the dangers of fire but the message no longer appears to be getting through.

In a joint statement, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria police said: “In recent weeks there have been a number of deliberate fires which can soon get out of control causing damage and could potentially put people’s lives at risk.

“Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Police are emergency services and when we get called to these small malicious fires there could be a delay in responding to other incidents such as road traffic collisions or building fires where people could be trapped and lives are at risk.

“We are working incredibly hard to ensure the safety of our communities across the county and doing our utmost to protect the most vulnerable.

“However, it is shocking and unbelievable that we have seen a rise in deliberate fires, which results in additional pressure on our services.

“We want parents and carers to educate young people about the risk of setting fires, especially in built-up and rural areas where the fires can spread very quickly.

“Anti-social behaviour continues to be a priority for the police, unfortunately, the actions of a few can cause negative impacts on a whole community.

“We work alongside our partners to ensure the issues are addressed in the early stages and prevent young people from escalating behaviours that could lead to the criminal justice system.”

Anyone with any information regarding anti-social behaviour is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”