The sentencing of a gang who torched mobile homes in a campaign to drive out residents has been moved to next year.

Three properties at the Glen in Blackwell, Bromsgrove, were set ablaze in the middle of the night. Five men from Leicester were hired by the site owners to burn the homes to drive prices down and get residents to leave.

Among them were Don Gibbs and his partner Pat Downes who sold up cheaply and went to live in Droitwich.

At the end of a trial in September, they told of their horror over the arson incidents which caused residents to go to bed in their clothes through fear of fresh attacks.

The site, valued at £1.6 million, was sold for £260,000 under the asking price, Worcester Crown Court heard.

The seven-strong gang was due to be sentenced by Judge Alistair McCreath this month, but the date has now been moved to February 23 so that defence counsel can all attend.

A financial investigation has been launched by West Mercia police to compensate people.

Site owners John Doherty, 29, and his 21-year-old brother Simey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson before the trial began.

Arson ringleader Anthony Tully senior, aged 60, was convicted by a jury of the same crime and conspiracy to commit blackmail. His son and three other men also pleaded guilty to the arson plot.