A STREET in Loddon has become the target of an anti-arson initiative after a bungalow went up in flames last Wednesday.The Walk, an area of housing that is mostly inhabited by elderly people and that has been subject to a series of wheelie fires in recent months, was last week the victim of a particularly serious fire when a blaze started in a shed.

A STREET in Loddon has become the target of an anti-arson initiative after a bungalow went up in flames last Wednesday.

The Walk, an area of housing that is mostly inhabited by elderly people and that has been subject to a series of wheelie fires in recent months, was last week the victim of a particularly serious fire when a blaze started in a shed.

The shed was adjoined to the bungalow, and spread to the main building's roof as well as causing damage to a neighbouring house. The owner of the property was asleep inside at the time of the incident, and was woken by concerned neighbours. Fortunately he escaped the incident unharmed.

The fire, which is being treated as suspected arson, was described by police as a “particularly serious incident that could have very serious or even fatal consequences,” and is currently being investigated.

Meanwhile Loddon firefighter Steven Crisp has designed a leaflet to warn residents to be extra wary of the danger of fire, which will be distributed to the residents of The Walk and old people's clubs in the town.

The leaflet suggests that residents keep their bins locked away, and that they should not put them out until morning, as most of the previous attacks have taken place in the early hours of the night.

Graham Joy, local risk manager for the South Norfolk area, said: “We've had several fires involving wheelie bins in Loddon. There is a problem in the area. The leaflet is making people aware that there have been problems to try and curb what's going on there.”

He added: “It's good that the local fire station have taken a keen interest in this and are using their local knowledge.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident, from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area during the evening of the October 29, or from anyone with information.

Contact DC Bruce Clark at Norwich CID on 0845 456 4567 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 08800 555 111.