POLICE in Lowestoft are investigating a spate of arsons in which mopeds and bins were set alight.

POLICE in Lowestoft are investigating a spate of arsons in which mopeds and bins were set alight.

Officers received calls last night and early today to incidents in Lymm Road, Stoven Close, Montgomery Avenue, Bourne Road, Peddars Way, Malvern Rise, Yarmouth Road and Oulton Road.

The most serious was at Stoven Close at about 2am when a moped leaning against the front of a house was set alight. The fire seriously damaged the moped and the front of the premises.

Brickwork, guttering and windows were all damaged and one resident – a man in his 40s - at the property had to be taken to the James Paget hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The first incident happened at about 11.15pm last night when three youths were spotted trying to set light to a scooter in Lymm Road. Officers attended, put out the fire and searched the area.

Police then received a number of calls in the early hours reporting further incidents including three youths trying to set light to a fence and a bin in the park at Montgomery Avenue, wheelie bins on fire at Peddars Way, Yarmouth Road and Bourne Road and a moped being set ablaze at Malvern Rise.

At 8am, lit paper was pushed into a shop window in Oulton Road.

Police are attempting trace those responsible for the fires. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the three youths spotted at several of the incidents.

•If you can help please call Det Con 948 Rogers at Lowestoft CID on 01986 835300.