AN URGENT plea has gone out for Wrexham people to “name and shame” yobs responsible for arson attacks.

It comes from the town’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, who said any of the incidents over the past few months could have led to death or serious injury.

Her appeal comes in the wake of the latest incident in which vandals left a £10,000 trail of destruction at the HACK horse sanctuary in Bradley after setting light to a new barn, stealing tools and tampering with a tractor.

Other recent attacks include trees and shrubs being set on fire at Alyn Waters Country Park.

Ms Griffiths said: “Like many in Wrexham I cannot understand what would possess these individuals to act in this way.

“My fear is it could be someone’s home which is targeted next – the authorities are doing a great job, however they need the support of communities to put a stop to this.

“I am concerned that these individuals are putting themselves and others at risk.

“Any of these fires could have led to serious injuries or even deaths, and it is time this activity was put to a stop, for the sake of the fire services, the safety of the general public and the communities affected.”

She added: “With the recent fire at HACK horse sanctuary inflicting thousands of pounds of damage to an organisation which does nothing but good for animals and the community, these criminals have shown total disrespect for the communities around them.

“I appeal to anyone who has any information on or knows the individuals involved, or parents who smell smoke on the clothes of their teenagers to consider reporting this to the authorities so they can be named and shamed.

“I would also like to encourage people to consider donating to help HACK rebuild.

“Theirs will be a long road to rebuild from the damage, but every little helps and all donations go to a great cause.”

To help HACK with its rebuilding efforts go to ww.justgiving.com/hackhorse/donate.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s arson reduction manager Tom Pye said: “We have experienced a spate of deliberate fires in the Wrexham area recently involving wheelie bins, sheds, grass in gardens and hedges for example, which is tying up our resources unnecessarily.

“We have been working with North Wales Police and those responsible are known to us and we are pursing prosecutions.

“Young people are being identified as culprits through Arson Reduction Community Appeals and we are taking action by making recommendations for them to attend the fire and rescue service prevention programme to help to combat the problem – and this initiative is supported by the Youth Justice Service.

“We are also strongly advising people not to place bins or skips too close to a property, premises or anything such as a fence, and to keep them out of sight, to help combat this issue.

“We would appeal to people to report deliberate fire starters by contacting North Wales Police on 101 if calling from Wales, or alternatively calling 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”