Teen arrested over string of arson attacks

Three young children were among those asleep inside this home when the fire started

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a series of fires.

Avon and Somerset Police said an 18-year-old they believe to be responsible for several incidents in and around Fishponds, Bristol, was in custody.

Tyres were slashed, vehicles were set alight, and a home in which children were sleeping was engulfed by flames after fire spread from a car parked outside.

A public appeal was issued to try to identify a man captured several times on CCTV and police said information from the community led to the arrest earlier.

In one incident, a family home on Oldbury Court Road was destroyed after a car fire spread to the property at about 03:20 BST on 30 August.

Three young children were among those asleep inside at the time. All occupants managed to escape but the property was left uninhabitable, police said.

Fishponds neighbourhood inspector Luke Keenan said: "These incidents have not only been very distressing for the families directly involved, but concerning for us and the wider community.

"The investigation continues, and we'd still ask anyone who has relevant footage or information and hasn't yet come forward to get in touch."