Northamptonshire Police are appealing for witnesses and offering residents crime prevention advice after the incidents in Greenwood Road, St James.

The most recent incident involved a number of wheelie bins being set alight at approximately 9.45pm on Monday.

This is the seventh similar incident in recent weeks and police are urging anyone with information to contact them.

A spokesman said: "These offences are potential life takers and we would like to remind people to store bins properly in order to prevent such fires.

"If possible, a bespoke storage area should be used to store any bins, they should also be stored well away from any buildings, and should not be overloaded so that the lid is always closed, which means that flames can not develop if the bin is sealed properly.

"People who begin fires are putting communities at risk as well as tying up resources of the police force and fire service."

Sergeant Louise Simpson from the Castle Ward Safer Community Team said: "In an attempt to prevent further problems in light of the recent incidents, we are working with the council to arrange for a new lock to be installed on the bin store area.

"The Castle Ward Safer Community Team are working closely with residents in the area as well as carrying out increased patrols."

Anyone who notices anything suspicious, or anyone with information about these particular incidents, can contact police on 08453 700700 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.