Two teenagers arrested following bin fires in Polesworth

A 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy from Tamworth have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a series of five bin fires which were broadcast on social media.

At around 12:30am on 9 October, fire services reported that five bins near to properties in Polesworth had deliberately been set alight.

After a short period of investigation, videos of the bin fires were reportedly found on social media, and two young boys were identified as suspects.

Sgt Adam Skelsey of Atherstone & Coleshill SNT said “Setting fire to bins puts nearby houses at risk, it’s all too possible for an ignited fragment to land on someone else’s property potentially causing serious harm and possibly death. It also diverts fire fighters from responding to potentially life-threatening emergencies.

“On top of that, it’s the community that ends up having to pay for the bins to be replaced.

“It’s a deeply foolish and selfish thing to do for entertainment purposes.”