BUDE Police have reported that recently there has been an issue of small indiscriminate fires which may have been started by local children in the Bude Town area.

PCSO Stuart Baxter of the Bude Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "The dangers that come from this, to both the children lighting the fires and any nearby property are huge. All it would take is for one of these fires to go undiscovered or get out of control and the losses could be fatal.

"Any children caught lighting fires will be dealt with firmly and prosecuted wherever possible. Obviously the impact of having a criminal record these days has far and wide implications for both travelling abroad and any career that the child might choose."

PCSO Baxter added: "If any member of the public witnesses anyone starting or playing with fire the police should be contacted immediately on 999. you could be saving a life."

Anybody that has any information regarding the recent fires should contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777444 or speak to any officer at Bude Police Station.