Police officers in Newport are appealing for information after four fires were deliberately set in the city last night

On Thursday April 27 fires were reported in Lliswerry Road, Forest Close, Moorland Gardens and Broadmead Park and all of them were started between 8.45pm and 9.30pm.

Gwent Police officers are in the area today talking to residents about anti-social behaviour and deliberate fire setting.

Boards have been put up giving advice about what to do if anyone sees a fire and who to talk to if they have information about the offenders.

There is also a dedicated Fire Crime officer from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service who is working with officers and giving talks in local schools about the dangers of deliberately setting fires and to educate pupils about the consequences.

Gwent Police Neighbourhood Sergeant Mervyn Priest said: “Deliberate fire setting can pose a real danger to those setting the fires and the local community.

“Young people may think that lighting a fire is a bit of fun but fires can quickly get out of control. What starts as a small bin fire or bonfire, can spread to nearby gardens and properties. I’d ask everyone to think before lighting a fire and if anyone sees anything suspicious, please call the emergency services straight away.”

There is also a dispersal order running this evening which covers the Moorland Gardens, Moorland and Broadmead Park areas.

The order provides Police Officers and Community Support Officers with the powers to direct anyone to leave this specified area if they are involved in anti-social behaviour or if officers think their behaviour may lead to anti-social behaviour.

If they return to that area after being moved on, they face being arrested.

If anyone has any information in relation to these fires, please call 101 quoting log 505 27/4/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.