FIREFIGHTERS took part in a family fun day in an attempt to deter young people from Middlesbrough getting involved in arson.

Cleveland Fire Brigade chose to launch its Easter Arson Campaign at Langton Close Fun Day as it lies within Clairville Ward, which had the highest number of deliberate fires last Easter – 15 compared with just one the year before.

The area also had the highest number of deliberate fires, 109, of all wards in Middlesbrough during the last 12 months.

The free family fun day has been organised by housing provider Erimus Housing which owns properties at Langton Close and the Brigade to raise awareness of the dangers.

“Arson still accounts for around seven out of ten fires across Cleveland,” said Phil Lancaster, director of community protection with Cleveland Fire Brigade.

He issued a warning to would-be arsonists, saying: “We are watching you and anyone who starts a deliberate fire is likely to be caught.”

If anyone wishes to report any suspected arsonists confidentially, they should call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.