POLICE and firefighters have warned parents in Harrogate after young people have targeted the town for arson attacks.

North Yorkshire Police said there had been seven incidents since the beginning of May, with buildings, a bin, a car and grass cuttings in the Harrogate area targeted by arsonists.

A 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy have been arrested in connection with the latest incident and released under investigation, but a police spokeswoman said it was not known if some or all the fires were linked at this time.

Inspector Penny Taylor from Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Not only are we concerned for the safety of these young people but we are worried about neighbouring properties and the local community which this behaviour has affected. This behaviour is not only anti-social but dangerous and inconsiderate and those breaking into the properties are committing offences for which they can be arrested and prosecuted.

"I am also reaching out to parents and asking them to know where their children are. It makes sense for young people to want to be outside while the weather is hot but it doesn’t make sense for them to behave like this."