Boy, 11, arrested over series of grass fires

An 11-year-old boy has been arrested by police investigating a series of wildfires in Staffordshire - the third to be detained.

The boy, from Cannock, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life following grass fires in open spaces in Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford, said Staffordshire Police.

Two other boys, aged 12 and 13, were arrested on suspicion of the same offence over the weekend.

"All three have now been bailed with conditions while our inquiries continue," a force spokesperson added.

Sgt Shelley Groves, from the Cannock local policing team, said there was much community concern over the "significant spate" of fires.

"While some of these incidents are still under fire investigation, we know that some of these fires have been started deliberately, and we're actively working to find out who is responsible and to bring them in for questioning," the officer said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.

The force added that a large fire on Cannock Chase, which started on Wednesday 5 August, was still being investigated to determine the cause.

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