A spate of arson attacks have plagued residents in one part of Newport.
Residents of the Graig ward in Newport have been subjected to more than 10 deliberate fires in the area since the end of June, with another three more fires occurring this week.
In the early hours of Wednesday, September 11 Gwent Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue were called to three incidents involving a hedge fire on Pentrepoeth Road and bin fires on Cwm Cwddy Drive and Plant Glas Court.
A Gwent Police spokesman said: "The incidents are being treated as arson and enquiries are ongoing."
Police also confirmed that in June and July this year, 13 incidents of deliberate fires were reported.
One resident said trees at the end of his garden were burnt down, earlier this year.
Laurence Cope, who lives in Caerphilly Close, Rhiwderin, said the incident took place on June 21, adding he was lucky his neighbours spotted the blaze when they did or it could have been much worse.
The 44-year-old has since spent around £1500 on repairs and CCTV.
He said: "I have three young children in my house, and fires so close to my house scare me of course.
"It makes me sick thinking the fire could have spread to the house while we're all inside.
"I have installed CCTV since to help me feel safer.
"I live in a nice and safe neighbourhood, but I don't feel safe anymore while this person is still living here and free to go around setting fires.
"It makes me angry."
The Gwent Police spokesman added: "In response we implemented measures, in partnership with other agencies, including South Wales Fire and Rescue service during July 2019.
"Officers completed leaflet distribution, increased patrols and were called with the fire service to any reported fires in the area. These measures continue and our enquiries are ongoing.
"We are working with our partners to implement safety precautions and to raise awareness among local residents. Every effort is being made to identify those responsible and ensure they are held to account."
Another Rhiwderin resident, Gareth Davis, said the problem appeared to have gone away for a short time.
He added that the area is a "good place to live" and that the community is a close one but now some people are even looking to move away.
The 44-year-old explained: "The police and fire brigade have been in attendance - it seemed to have settled but started again the last few nights.
"People are concerned. We are all looking for some community CCTV
"It puts people on edge."
Head of fire crime, group manager Neil Davies, said: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have attended a number of deliberate fires in Bassaleg area of Newport.
"Arson is a crime and these types of incidents are not only a drain on fire service resources but they also have a detrimental impact on the social wellbeing of the communities of South Wales.
"We would encourage residents to remain vigilant to suspicious activity and to report anything untoward to Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
