Warwickshire Police are investigating after residents in Lillington were reportedly threatened with their homes being set on fire. The alleged threats occurred after residents challenged young people deliberately starting fires in The Holt park, according to Liberal Democrat councillor Alan Boad.
Teenagers were reportedly seen setting fire to aerosol cans placed inside cardboard boxes in undergrowth around trees in the park. A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police confirmed that officers and firefighters were called several times last week to the area following reports of deliberate fires.
The reports of fires were mainly in the wooded area bordering homes on Kinross Road. Police have identified some of those involved and stated they would "be dealt with appropriately."
Councillor Boad has been in contact with those allegedly threatened and has organised tours of the area with Warwick District Council's community wardens and police. Warwick District Council is considering measures such as 'crown lifting' trees to improve visibility, while Councillor Boad suggested planting thorny bushes. The council is also installing warning signs against starting fires or lighting barbecues in parks, according to council leader Ian Davison.
In July, a teenager was burned in Atherstone after an aerosol can exploded when thrown into a fire that police said had been deliberately started.