Man arrested in connection with arsons in Cheltenham over the weekend

A man has been arrested this morning (Thursday 10 June) as part of enquiries into a series of arsons which took place in Cheltenham over the weekend.

The 44-year-old from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of arson earlier this morning and remains in police custody at this time.

Four incidents of arson were reported in Southam and Prestbury late on Saturday (5 June) evening, going into the early hours of Sunday (6 June).

Officers from the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing teams picked up the investigation and identified the man after liaising with colleagues from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Sergeant Julia Martin-Jones said: "I am aware of how frightening these incidents were for local residents and I believe that this series is not linked to the previous fires at Priors Park in the Oakley estate.

"We have worked tirelessly over the past couple of days to investigate and are continuing to ask anyone who witnessed the incidents or has dashcam/ring door bell footage to please let us know.

"A group in their late teens reported one of the incidents and we are also asking them to come forward as they may have information which will help to piece together the events from that night."

Information can be submitted by completing the following online form quoting incident 71 of 6 June: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or calling 101.