Joint Police and Fire Service engagement has been carried out in Ashby this week, following a repeated woodland arson in the town.

Officers from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Leicestershire Police did a preventative patch walk on 3 February around the Dunbar Estate in Ashby, focusing on properties backing onto a nearby wooded area.

North West Leicestershire Police received reports in January of 'a serious issue of arson' in the wooded area that posed significant risk to public safety, wildlife and nearby homes.

Police responded to a 'serious issue of arson' in Ashby (Photo: North West Leicestershire Police)

During a search of the scene, police said 'officers located several concerning items, including aerosol cans, flammable materials such as batteries and aftershave, and several tools such as screwdriver and knives, which we believe have been used to build and start the fires.'

At the time, they said: 'we have suspicions that those responsible may be local youths engaging in anti social behaviour. We are keen to prevent anyone from getting hurt and want to give parents and the carers the opportunity to speak with their children about the seriousness of this activity.'

During the combined visits of Police and Fire Services this week, officers spoke to residents, discussed identifying risks, checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and fitting new devices where needed.