POLICE are hunting the arsonist responsible for a bin fire in Bridgwater, which authorities said could have been “extremely dangerous” if it were not for quick-thinking neighbours.

Two wheelie bins were set on fire at 11pm on Friday, May 30, near the junction with The Pippins and Crossacre, Wembdon, and police have begun an investigation to find the person responsible.

A police spokesman said: “One bin had been put out ready for collection the next day and was next to a bin store when it was set alight.

“The fire spread to the wooden door and the heat and smoke from the fire caused damage to an adjoining flat including warped guttering, damaged fuse boxes, a cracked window and damage to roof tiles. The occupants were also left suffering from smoke inhalation.

“A second bin, opposite the first and on Crossacre, was also set alight at the same time.”

A Fire Service spokesman confirmed the incident as arson, saying one of the bins was close to the porch and the fire spread to that area.

He added: “It could have been extremely dangerous, as the source of the fire was the main exit.

“But some of the neighbours did a good job and helped the residents get out of the property, as smoke was going into the front and up the stairwell.”

A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) has been to the scene and police want to hear from anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in the area at the time or knows who is responsible.

Anyone with information should contact DC Darren Bowden on 101 and quote 54265/14.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If the information you provide to Crimestoppers leads to the arrest and charge of an offender, you may be eligible for a reward.