LETTERS are being distributed to homes across Worcester warning residents to be on the lookout for arsonists after a spate of incidents.

A number of cars have been set on fire in the Cherry Orchard area of the city, during recent weekends.

The most recent was last Saturday morning, when Mary Dhonau's car was set alight.

"Luckily, someone happened to be passing and alerted us," said Mrs Dhonau, Worcester's potential Liberal Democrat General Election candidate.

"We were able to put out the fire before it gained hold. We're by no means the only people to have had our cars set alight though.

"During the past few weekends, about six other incidents have occurred, all with the same trademark of being set alight via the wing mirrors.

"On one occasion, a van was set on fire and the owner's child was asleep upstairs above where the van was parked.

"These arson attacks must not be allowed to continue. If they do, I'm worried that someone will be either seriously hurt or, worse still, killed."

Mrs Dhonau, of Waverley Street, has asked West Mercia police to meet residents and reassure them that the attacks are being taken seriously.

"We need a regular patrol car around this area until the arsonist is caught."

Mrs Dhonau has been delivering letters to homes in Diglis Lane, Waverley Street and Orchard Street, asking residents to note any incidents of fire damage that she can pass to police.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Alec Mackie said firefighters had attended a number of incidents in the area and police were now dealing with the matter.

"We've received reports of three vehicles being partially damaged by fire - two in Waverley Street, on the October 20 and 30 respectively, and one in Cavendish Street on October 30," a Worcester police spokesman said.

"While they're similar in nature, we're keeping an open mind as to who's responsible."