POLICE investigating arson in St Martin’s have arrested four juveniles. The four – three boys and one girl – were held on Saturday on suspicion of starting a fire in a rubbish bin at St Martin’s School. An aerosol spray was allegedly used to start the blaze on Sunday 4 February.

All those arrested have been interviewed in connection with the spate of suspicious blazes in the area and reports have been sent to the Youth Justice Panel.

One juvenile has been discounted from further inquiries and no further police action is likely.

The panel will decide whether three of the youths – boys aged 12 and 13 and a girl aged 13 – will be charged.

‘They have been spoken to about all the arsons. We have not ruled anybody out at this stage,’ said Detective Sergeant Andy Whitton yesterday.

‘They have been bailed to come back to the police station once a decision has been made.’

Police investigations into night-time arson attacks that caused thousands of pounds of damage across the island, with barns, a house, garden sheds and vehicles destroyed, are continuing.

Detectives investigating the spate of suspicious blazes since Christmas said that highly-inflammable accelerants had been used to start most of them.

They believe the accelerants were sold locally and urge retailers to check their records.

St Martin’s senior constable John Sarre welcomed news of the weekend arrests.

‘I think we should congratulate the police on their efforts in tracking down these people,’ said Mr Sarre.

‘The culprits are lucky there were no serious injuries to anybody, animals included, but there could have been. Let’s hope this is the last of it.

‘There are always concerns when things like this happen. Hopefully when they know they have been caught and reprimanded there should not be concerns, particularly when there are bobbies on the beat,’ said Mr Sarre.

‘We understand the force is short and is training up 15 and there is a possibility we might get someone permanently, not only in St Martin’s but other parishes.’

He confirmed that discussions were being held with police about a Neighbourhood Watch in St Martin’s.

* Anyone with information about the arson attacks should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or CID on 725111.