A 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after three fires in Southampton.

Police say they are linking the three blazes and are continuing to question the teenagers.

The first incident happened between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday, when a garden shed was set alight on Warren Avenue, Shirley.

The second fire happened in the early hours of this morning when a caravan fire was set alight on Teme Crescent, Millbrook, causing damage to a house and a car.

And shortly before 1.30am yesterday (Friday December 14) a fire was started in a bin near flats in Jessamine Road, Shirley, causing damage to two buildings and a drain pipe.

Detective Inspector Colin White said: “We understand that people across the city will be concerned as we have seen a number of separate arson series in recent weeks.

“Please be reassured that we are working hard to follow lines of enquiry and make arrests, and have also this week charged a man in connection with another group of vehicle arsons in Shirley.”

Damian Watts, from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Arson Task Force, said: “Arson has a huge effect on the local community, it destroys property but more importantly it can also put people’s lives at risk such as the residents and firefighters who come out to tackle the fire.

“There is no such thing as playing with fire and only setting a small bin alight, fire is unpredictable and can quickly grow much larger than you thought possible and affect a much wider area.

“The community can help itself stay safe by being vigilant and ensuring the opportunity for arson is reduced. As far as possible make sure your vehicles are secure, outbuildings locked and illuminated and rubbish bins are not left on the street until necessary.

“Make sure you have smoke alarms and test them regularly so that if there is a fire you and your family can escape safely.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting reference number 44180464638.