RESIDENTS living in Westbury fear somebody could be killed the next time a serial arsonist strikes in the town.

Police detectives called a high profile meeting with inspectors on Wednesday because they are becoming increasingly worried about the frequency of attacks there have been 31 fires since last November.

Inquiries have been stepped up and four officers have been assigned to the case.

Detectives admit they are no closer to catching the culprit despite the help of CCTV footage and an eyewitness report.

Detective Sergeant Andy Cross said: "Luckily nobody has been hurt yet but, potentially, somebody could be seriously injured. We are working on a number of lines of inquiry which will include analysing each offence to see if there are any consistencies.

"One person could be responsible for the fires or several people could be involved who may be related or unrelated."

The arsonist's trademark is to set light to conifer trees and wheelie bins, but lighted paper has also been pushed through a cat flap. Police are worried the arsonist's behaviour could escalate further after seven attacks last weekend, including several fires outside houses.

An arsonist struck on Friday and Saturday night hitting Eden Vale Road, Edward Street, Abbott's Court, Church Street and a bin at Matravers School was set light. One of the fires, underneath flats at Angel Mill, threatened to blaze out of control.

DS Cross said: "The crucial time seems to be late at night or in the early hours of the morning, usually at the weekend. The person or people responsible could be from Westbury or have knowledge of the local area."

Police are urging people to be extra vigilant and keep bins away from houses.

Officers now hope the arsonist will give themselves up so they can get help.

DS Cross said: "They are putting their lives and others at risk. They may not perceive that they are doing anything which is dangerous or may enjoy seeing the emergency services.

"I'm sure somebody knows something and we are appealing to anyone with information to come forward."

CCTV footage of a suspect was released in February and DNA samples were taken from the scene of one of the fires.

Police spokesman Steve Coxhead said: "We don't want to strike terror into the people of Westbury. We want to reassure them that something is being done about this."

John Clegg, Westbury town councillor and chairman of the CCTV committee, said cameras had revealed than more than one person was responsible for the attacks. Police later dismissed the claim.

"I believe its not just one person involved because CCTV has identified at least three people," added Cllr Clegg.

"The arson has caused a lot of distress in the town. Damage to property could culminate in somebody losing their life."

Sandoes Chartered Surveyors manage the flats at Angel Mill. Spokesman Sarah Nevers said: "The building suffered smoke and structural damage at the weekend. A lot of residents are concerned about what's happening and are hoping somebody will be caught."

bpayne@newswilts.co.uk