Cars hit by arson rampage

HEROES . . . Alan Whittaker and Paul Sharples put out a car fire in Glebe Street

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WORRIED motorists have been warned to stay vigilant after a spate of frightening incidents in which fireworks were used to burn-out cars.

Firefighters tackled four car fires in neighbouring Chadderton streets within half an hour of each other on Tuesday night.

Crews were called to Eli Street, off Coalshaw Green Road, at 11.30pm to tackle a blaze involving a Rover Metro. The passenger window was smashed and the car interior set alight.

While extinguishing that fire, crews were informed of a second car, a Vauxhall Corsa, ablaze in Glebe Street. Luckily, neighbours Alan Whittaker (43) and Paul Sharples (24) spotted it and put out the fire before it took hold.

Mr Whittaker said: “We were in the kitchen and spotted something flickering so called the fire brigade. Flames were near to the petrol tank — luckily, we put it out in time.

“We thought the fire engine had gone to the wrong address but it was already dealing with another car.

“There were two other cars set alight a month ago, it seems to be along the same lines.”

The car owner, who did not want to be identified, said: “It’s just mindless wanton vandalism.

“There is someone going around setting fire to cars for whatever reason. Another neighbour had her car done a month ago.”

Shortly after that incident, two more cars — a Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Corsa — were set alight in Coalshaw Green Road.

Police are linking the incidents and have urged residents to keep their eyes peeled for the arsonist. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.