AN arsonist, thought to be aged just 12, has struck for the sixth time.

A fire at a house in Grindleton Grove, Burnley, on Saturday at 10.30am was today being linked with four blazes at a garage complex in Thursfield Road and another blaze in Coleshill Avenue.

It is believed the boy, who has been spotted wearing a red England football shirt and dark tracksuit bottoms, is responsible for all the blazes in the Brunshaw area.

In the latest incident on Saturday, a conifer tree at the side of the house was set alight, and flames spread to the side of the building.

Although the fire did not cause much damage, firefighters are concerned that the arsonist's actions may eventually pose a "real danger".

The garages were targeted four times in two days earlier in the month. A vintage Ford Popular, which was being restored, was severely damaged in one of the fires.

On May 12, a garage in Coleshill Avenue was badly damaged after an arson attack at 1.45am.

Burnley crew manager Gary Hargreaves said: "We are looking into a possible link between a number of fires that have been started deliberately in Burnley. The fires are all similar in their nature.

"We are working with police to try and catch the culprit because the fires can quickly spread and pose a real danger if they are close to properties, which, as in previous incidents, they have been."

Brunshaw ward councillor David Halsall said: "The culprit has been causing major problems in Brunshaw.

"I have been working alongside a resident whose garage was fired in Coleshill Avenue and contained asbestos which can be very dangerous.

"The garage has been isolated now but some of the fires have been started close to housing so I would also urge anybody who has seen anybody suspicious in the area to contact the police."

The boy is described as aged between 12 and 13, quite tall, thin, with black hair.

A spokesman for Burnley Police confirmed that they were looking into the incident and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.