FIREFIGHTERS today warned householders to be on the alert after an arsonist set three more houses on fire last night on the Barclay Hills estate in Burnley.

Petrol, or other flammable liquid, was poured through the letter boxes of two houses in Padgate Place and one in Goldfinch Green.

Extensive damage was caused to the doorways, porches and halls of the three unoccupied houses.

The fires follow a similar attack on three other properties on the same estate last Wednesday.

One of the houses in Partridge Walk was occupied by pensioners Richard and Elsie Slater. Mr Slater, 79, put the fire out with a hosereel which he kept in his home following other fires and vandalism in the area. The couple also leave a light on at all times so anyone can see the house is occupied.

But that did not deter the arsonist who put them in extreme danger.

Last night two fire crews from Burnley were joined by one each from Padiham and Nelson as all three properties were burning at the same time around 9pm.

Sub-officer Nigel Clark said: "Again the same method was used in these mindless attacks.

"Whoever is doing it cannot be sure there is no-one in the property or perhaps he doesn't care. If it continues there could be a slip-up with tragic consequences."

Police are also investigating the incidents and anyone with information about who is responsible can contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001 or ring Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

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