Nine fires within two days were reported to the authorities this week.

A dangerous rise in arson attacks has  Hertsmere Borough Council, the police and fire service asking residents to remain vigilant.

Two separate fires were set outside the Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood on Monday, May 15.

One wheelie bin was set alight at 5.00pm followed by another 9.30pm the same day.

Another seven bin fires were reported on the night of Tuesday, May 16.

Although no injuries have been reported so far, authorities fear that people’s lives will be at risk.

More than 30 incidents have been reported to Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue since August last year, many near Farriers Way.

Last summer one fire was started near a day nursery, and a caravan was damaged after another bin was set alight in a separate incident.

Hertsmere Chief Inspector, Steve O’Keeffe, said: “We are taking these crimes very seriously and have increased high-visibility patrols, conducted house-to-house enquiries and have been using other covert tactics to catch those responsible.

"The fires have been started close to homes and it is only a matter of time before someone gets injured.”

Station Commander Lee Haward said: "Arson is extremely dangerous. It puts lives and property at risk.

“While our crews are dealing with arson incidents, they are diverted away from other emergencies and community safety work.

“We ask all residents to be vigilant and report any behaviour they are concerned about."

Hertsmere Borough Council’s waste collection teams will be delivering leaflets to issue safety advice to residents.

They advise taking your bin back in as soon as possible, marking it with your house number and storing it in a safe place near your home away from other buildings or vehicles.

To report a fire or to if you have any information, call the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/.