A pensioner has been arrested after seven fires were extinguished across Calne.
The 76-year-old man was detained by officers after a series of fires, believed to have been deliberately started, across the town.
Five fires broke out within around three hours on Monday (10 August), with firefighters first called to a hedgerow blaze in Oxford Road at about 2.30pm.
Further fires were tackled in brambles and grassland in Redman Road, Oxford Road, Stokes Croft and Swaddon Street.
Two more fires were reported today (Tuesday), and police believe all seven incidents are linked.
One of today’s fires was near The Knapp, while a more extensive blaze broke out in Low Lane and burned around 100 metres of hedgerow and threatened new housing.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that a 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson following the incidents – but has since been handed over to a mental health team.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Jamie Ball said: “Thankfully there were no reported injuries as a result of these fires, which were extinguished thanks to the swift actions of colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“It is concerning to think that these fires could easily have spread if left unchecked in these extremely dry conditions..
“I would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support and vigilance which helped us identify and detain the suspect.
“The suspect has been referred to the care of mental health professionals for appropriate ongoing support.”
