A MAN has been arrested after three vehicles were set on fire in Newton-le-Willows yesterday morning.

At around 4am on Tuesday, April 2, Merseyside Police were alerted to a report of a van being on fire on Old Wargrave Road.
 
When officers arrived at the scene, they noticed three vehicles in flames in the rear garden of a pub on the road. 

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Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services safely extinguished the vehicles at the pub and no one was injured during the incident.
 
Further enquiries and examinations established that the fire was caused deliberately.
 
Following an investigation, officers have now arrested a 34-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a Class B-controlled substance.
 
He has been taken to a police station in Merseyside where he remains in custody.
 
Inspector Josh Griffiths said: “This was a reckless offence which put the lives of residents at risk in their own community.
 
“I hope the arrest of a man this morning reassures those who were affected that we pro-actively investigate anyone involved in such dangerous crimes and will not tolerate any actions that brings fear and harm to our communities. 
 
“I would like to thank those who have already come forward with information which has led this arrest. 
 
“Our enquiries are ongoing into the incident so if you have any other information about this arson or saw the offence take place and have not yet spoken to us please call Merseyside Police as soon as possible.” 

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the police by calling 101 or via the social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
 
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 24000304390 or fill out their online form here.