POLICE and fire service in North Ayrshire have been battling for the last week against fires believed to be set maliciously.

Across the whole of the local area, a number of fires were set as the good weather continues and Chief Inspector Brian Shaw is keen to highlight the dangers of this kind of activity.

He said: “Whilst we are delighted to see the good weather, there has been a rise in anti-social behaviour in relation to youth disorder.

“We will be putting additional patrols in place and we will be highlighting the dangers in terms of fires.”

Four substantial fires were set in the Three Towns and Kilwinning over the past week with police not ruling out the possibility that at least tow of them could be linked.

They took place in Moonlight Place, Ardrossan, Lawson Drive, Ardrossan, Lundholm Road, Stevenston and Nethermains Road, Kilwinning.

Chief Inspector Shaw added: “We have commenced enquiries into these fires and we are reviewing CCTVto try and identify those responsible.

“There is a potential link between two of the fires and we have also seized items at some of the locations for potential forensic examination.

“There is a risk and danger with fires and I am appealing to everyone to consider your actions and the consequences that this can have.