Arson squad gets funding boost

A regional "arson busting squad" is to be set up in the north-east of England.

The move, announced by the government, is aimed at tackling what ministers have called "the growing menace of arson".

The new fire investigation team will received initial funding from the government and be based in Newcastle.

It is one of several measures announced by Fire Safety Minister Phil Hope as part of a £9m package geared towards combating arson attacks throughout the UK.

The already established arson task force for Tyne and Wear is to get more than £240,000 under the same package - the largest award to a project outside London.

Mr Hope said: "Arson is the single largest cause of fires in the UK.

Malicious fires

"It destroys people's lives and costs over £2bn a year.

"Innovative new ideas, as well as tried and tested schemes, will build on the success of existing projects and help in the fight against malicious fires.

"The Fire and Rescue Services Bill will change the focus of the service to place a greater emphasis on fire prevention - and arson control is a key element of this and the wider modernisation agenda of the fire and rescue service."

Other projects in the region are also getting extra support.

Car clearance schemes will operate in County Durham and Darlington, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Stockton-on-Tees.

Previous pilot schemes have concentrated on removing untaxed vehicles, but have also shown they can be help reduce the problem of abandoned vehicles and car fires.