Task force probes arson attacks

A task force is being set up in Gloucestershire to tackle arson attacks in the county.

The initiative is part of a £9m drive in England and Wales to cut the number of malicious fires.

The Gloucestershire team - which has been awarded £270,000 over three years - will also take responsibility for fire investigation and detection.

A similar team within Avon Fire Brigade is to get £460,000 over three years.

Announcing the funding, Fire Safety Minister Phil Hope said: "Arson is the single largest cause of fires in the UK. It destroys people's lives and costs over £2bn a year."