FIRE crews have blasted arsonists who are starting fires in a Rossendale car park.

The warning comes after the latest arson attack on a paper recycling bin in the car park of Waterfoot Library.

A crew from Rawtenstall had to be called to the car park at 4am today to attend the fire. Just three weeks ago they were attending a fire at the same scene when they received an emergency call of a house fire in Thorn Street.

Luckily, two quick-thinking neighbours managed to rescue a 12-year-old boy and his sister, 11.

Their mother was dragged unconscious from the fire by firefighters.

Sub Officer Simon Fryer said he believed children were not responsible for the fires.

Heasked everybody to work together to eradicate the problem.

He said: "It really is dangerous for the people of Rawtenstall for us to be tied up dealing with these kind of fires.

"What I can't understand is: What kind of lunatic gets up at this time to start a fire in a recycling bin?

"This kind of thing should play on people's consciences.

"If people are vigilant, maybe we can stop this problem."