POLICE have blamed ‘mindless criminals’ for a spate of arson attacks.

Arsonists tried to burn cars in villages around the city by throwing flammable material inside the vehicles.

One councillor said a care worker had lost work after her car was 'firebombed' in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester.

Sergeant Sarah Kent, of Wychavon Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We have received a number of reports of arson and criminal damage to cars in villages within south Worcestershire overnight between March 22 and 23.

“These vehicles appear to have been randomly targeted by mindless criminals. We’re investigating each of these incidents, which we believe to be linked, and would ask anyone with any information that could help with these enquiries to get in touch.

“Local officers have been patrolling villages in the area as well as making door to door enquiries and viewing CCTV footage.”

Police linked arson attacks in Tibberton, Crowle, Flyford Flavell and Naunton Beauchamp, which are all near Worcester, and two in Himbleton, near Droitwich.

All of these incidents took place on March 22 and involved criminals smashing car windows and using ‘accelerants’ to set fire to the vehicles.

Fortunately, the fires failed to take hold.

Criminals also ripped wing mirrors off vehicles in Ombersley Street West, in Droitwich, on March 22.

County councillor Tony Miller said another arson attack took place in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, on March 21.

He said: “A care worker’s car got firebombed. She lost personal things in her car. Now she’s got to wait for new driving glasses before she can drive again, they were in the car.

“That’s a loss of income for her. When you have someone striving to work - and doing good things - for this to happen is unacceptable.”

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has linked seven blazes from March 22.

These were all reported between 12.34am and 3.48am and happened in Claines, Naunton Beauchamp, Flyford Flavell, Tibberton, Crowle and Himbleton.

Group Commander Mick Cadman said: “The acts were malicious and we consider them to be linked. We are working with our partners in the police to investigate and prevent a recurrence.”

Anyone with information can email droitwicheast.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk or call 101.