RESIDENTS are being urged to ensure their wheelie bins are stored securely after a spate of arson attacks in Somerset.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was called to a number of bin fires in the Frome area of the country, with a number of bins being torched in the attacks.

Now, the fire service is urging people to ensure the bins are hidden from sight to try and stop them becoming a target.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "A wheelie bin on fire outside a window or against a house can endanger the lives of people inside.

"Arson is a serious crime and anyone convicted faces a length prison sentence and a significant fine. Furthermore, it comes with a financial impact as each time the fire service is called out it results in a significant cost to the taxpayer."

People are being urged to store all wheelie bins away, especially at night, and to only place them out on the road on the day of collection and to return it as soon as possible.

The fire service is also urging people to not overfill wheelie bins, and to not place hot items in the bins such as smoking materials and hot embers, and to not leave them under windows or near doors.

If anyone has any information about fires no matter how big or small please telephone crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where they can give details completely anonymously.

For more information on how to prevent Arson visit our website.